The Clinical journal of pain
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This systematic review examined studies that used mediation analysis to investigate the mechanisms of action of cognitive-behavioral, mind-body, and exercise-based interventions for pain and disability in people with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain. ⋯ We observed that several of the studies included in our systematic review identified similar mechanisms of action, even between different interventions and conditions. However, methodological limitations were common. In conclusion, there are still substantial gaps with respect to understanding how cognitive-behavioral, mind-body, and exercise-based interventions work to reduce pain and disability in people with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain.