The Efficacy of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music in Pain Management for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: This randomized controlled study investigated the efficacy of an adaptation of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) in pain management for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Method: Participants (n=74) were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which received an adapted version of GIM plus standard care, or a control group, which received music listening plus standard care. Pain intensity (Wong-Baker FACES, PainDETECT Questionnaire), functional capacity (Barthel Index), and psychological well-being (SF-36) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a follow-up, while caregivers’ burden was assessed using Zarit Burden Interview.

Results: A total of sixty one (n=61) patients completed the study. Results indicated a significant reduction in pain intensity and an improvement in quality of life in the GIM group compared to the control group. While the Barthel Index showed a temporary improvement with GIM, this improvement was not sustained. The GIM group exhibited significant improvements in SF-36 domains of Physical Functioning, Bodily Pain, and General Health over time. Caregiver burden, as measured by the ZBI, also showed significant improvement in personal distress and role overload among the caregivers in the GIM group.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the adapted version of GIM is a promising adjunctive therapy for managing pain and improving the well-being of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis