Metabolic syndrome in musculoskeletal practice: clinical and social features

Langridge, Neil, Purcell, Kate and Finucane, Laura (2026) Metabolic syndrome in musculoskeletal practice: clinical and social features. Musculoskeletal Care, 24. ISSN 1478-2189

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Introduction Metabolic syndrome is a well-established cluster of cardiovascular risk factors with increasing relevance to musculoskeletal pain, function, and rehabilitation. Beyond its recognised effects on cardiovascular health, its systemic biological consequences may influence pain mechanisms, tissue health, recovery, and rehabilitation outcomes. Understanding these effects may enhance clinicians' assessment, clinical reasoning, and management of individuals presenting with musculoskeletal disorders. Method This narrative conceptual paper explores the potential biological mechanisms through which metabolic syndrome may influence musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation. It proposes a clinically relevant framework to support the integration of metabolic health into musculoskeletal assessment and clinical reasoning, illustrated through a structured clinical vignette. Discussion Musculoskeletal clinicians are increasingly managing individuals with complex, multimorbid presentations. Consideration of metabolic syndrome provides an additional dimension to clinical reasoning by recognising how systemic metabolic dysfunction may contribute to pain persistence, impaired tissue healing, reduced physical function, and variable responses to rehabilitation. Incorporating these factors into assessment and treatment planning may facilitate more individualised, person-centred rehabilitation strategies and optimise clinical outcomes. Conclusion Metabolic syndrome should be considered within the wider context of the biopsychosocial model and the social determinants of health, recognising their influence on health inequalities, disease burden, and rehabilitation outcomes. Integrating metabolic health into person-centred musculoskeletal practice may enhance clinical decision-making, support more targeted rehabilitation, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Schools:	Clinical and Rehabilitation Services
Depositing User:	Bridget Roberts
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2026 13:09
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2026 13:09
URI:	https://hsu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/704

Actions (login required)

Edit Item