Article

The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between known
cognitive factors and levels of pain and disability in patients with idiopathic
chronic neck pain. METHOD: Ninety-four patients referred for physiotherapy
because of chronic neck pain completed measures of pain, disability,
catastrophising, pain-related fear, pain vigilance and awareness and
self-efficacy beliefs. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were then
performed to establish whether the cognitive factors were significant
determinants of levels of pain and disability. RESULTS: The cognitive measures
were significantly related to levels of pain and disability, explaining 23% of
the variance in pain intensity and 30% of the variance in disability.
Specifically, greater catastrophising (beta = 0.37, p < 0.05) and lower pain
vigilance and awareness (beta = - 0.32, p < 0.05) were associated with greater
pain intensity. Moreover, greater catastrophising (beta = 0.26, p < 0.05) and
lower functional self-efficacy beliefs (beta = - 0.34, p < 0.001) were
significantly associated with greater levels of disability. CONCLUSIONS:
Cognitive factors were strongly related to levels of pain and disability in
patients with chronic neck pain. In view of this, targeting the modification of
these cognitive factors should be an integral part of therapy when treating
patients with idiopathic chronic neck pain.

Langue : ANGLAIS