Article

Although fear-avoidance beliefs (FABs) have been explored in younger
adults and Spanish older adults, their relationships to measures of low back pain
(LBP)-related disability, overall physical health, and falling have not been
investigated in older American adults. The purpose of this study was
to examine the association of FABs with self-reported disability, physical
health, and falling among community-dwelling older adults with LBP in the United
States. This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Ninety-three
community-dwelling men and women with current LBP were included in this analysis.
Participants completed the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity
subscale (FABQ-PA). The modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (mOSW) and the
Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QUE) were used to measure self-reported
disability, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey
questionnaire (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) score was used to assess
physical health. Participants provided demographic information and information
regarding LBP duration and intensity. Linear regression models were developed
using the following dependent variables: mOSW, QUE, and SF-36 PCS scores.
Logistic regression was used to determine the association between high FABs and
falling. RESULTS: For each analysis, the FABQ-PA score independently explained 3%
to 6% of the variance in the LBP-related disability score and 3% of the variance
in the SF-36 PCS score. For all dependent variables, the strongest contributors
to explained variance were pain intensity, assistive device use, and FABQ-PA
score. High FABs were associated with falling. LIMITATIONS: Future investigations
might seek a more diversified sample and utilize both qualitative and
quantitative measures for assessing disability and physical health. CONCLUSIONS:
Physical activity FABs are independently associated with self-reported disability
and overall physical health in older American adults with LBP. High FABs may
warrant balance and falls assessment.

Langue : ANGLAIS