IFOMPT Learning Zone

Webinars

About the Webinar

Contextual effects are embodied psycho-neurobiological phenomena capable of inducing changes across neurobiological, physical, perceptual, and cognitive levels. These changes are triggered by various contextual factors present in the therapeutic environment, represented by diverse healing rituals and signals (e.g., the clinician’s attributes, the patient’s characteristics, the patient-clinician relationship, treatment features, and the broader healthcare setting).

Evidence has shown that contextual effects can influence subjective outcomes in musculoskeletal patients, often through placebo and nocebo mechanisms. A positive context enhances therapeutic outcomes through placebo effects, while a negative context can worsen clinical conditions by inducing nocebo effects.

Moving from this premise, the webinar aims to provide a comprehensive overview of contextual effects by examining: 

  • Reasons for Interest;
  • Definitions and Dimensions;
  • Mechanisms of Action and Impact on Outcomes;
  • Implications for Practice and Research.

 

Learning outcomes of the webinar

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the reasons for interest in contextual effects;
  • Define and describe the characteristics of contextual effects;
  • Comprehend the mechanisms of action and their impact on outcomes;
  • Recognize the implications of contextual effects for practice and research.

Webinar Details

  • Pre-recorded webinar

  • 1 hour in length

  • Unlimited access after purchase

Presenter

Musculoskeletal physiotherapist, lecturer, and researcher Giacomo Rossettini

Dr. Giacomo Rossettini is a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, lecturer, and researcher from Italy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy (2008), a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Disorders (2010), and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Sciences (2014). In 2018, he earned a PhD in Neuroscience. Since 2009, he has specialized in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Giacomo Rossettini is a lecturer in Manual Therapy for the Master’s Program in Physiotherapy and Rheumatology at Sapienza University of Rome. He also teaches at the University of Verona, where he lectures in Functional Kinesiology as part of the Bachelor’s Program in Physiotherapy and in the Master’s Program in Rehabilitation Sciences for Health Professions. Currently, he is a researcher at the Universidad Europea de Madrid affiliated with the Musculoskeletal Pain and Motor Control Research Group in Spain. Dr. Giacomo Rossettini has authored over 110 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals in the fields of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. He has delivered more than 60 presentations at universities, conventions, and both national and international conferences. His teaching, clinical practice, and research interests focus on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and pain, with a particular emphasis on placebo and nocebo effects, as well as contextual factors influencing therapeutic outcomes.