Measurement Properties of Two Questionnaires Assessing Fear-Avoidance in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain.

The Fear-Avoidance Components Scale (FACS) and the Fear of Daily Activities Questionnaire (FDAQ) assess fear-avoidance model components. However, the questionnaires are not available in Brazilian Portuguese. This study aimed to translate the original English FACS and FDAQ into Brazilian (Br) Portuguese and assess their measurement properties in patients with Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). One hundred thirty volunteers with CLBP participated in this study. Structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and hypothesis testing for construct validity were analyzed. Results indicated a 2-factor solution for the FACS-Br, while the FDAQ-Br had a one-factor solution. Internal consistency showed acceptable Cronbach's alpha (alpha >.8). Suitable reliability was found for the FDAQ-Br (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] = .98). For both FACS-Br factors, suitable reliability was found as well (ICC = .95 and .94). Hypothesis testing for construct validity confirmed more than 75% of the hypotheses proposed a priori for the FACS maladaptive pain/movement-related beliefs domain and the FDAQ-Br. In conclusion, the FACS-Br and FDAQ-Br demonstrated acceptable reliability, internal consistency, and structural validity measurement properties and their correlation (r < .50) suggests that the tools are not interchangeable measures.

Análisis del Modelo de Miedo-Evitación (Fear-avoidance model) del Dolor Crónico / Analysis of the Fear-avoidance model of Chronic Pain

Se han propuesto diversos modelos para entender la experiencia dolorosa, dentro de los que destaca el "fear-avoidance model" o modelo de miedo-evitación. Este ensayo presenta y discute los principales postulados de los artículos más relevantes para entender el desarrollo y evolución de este modelo. Esta evolución nos permite comprender nuestra propia evolución como kinesiólogos musculoesqueléticos, visualizando una concepción fenomenológica del dolor, comprendiendo su complejidad y multidimensionalidad.

Several models have been proposed to understand the painful experience, among which the "fear-avoidance model" stands out. This essay presents and discusses the main postulates of the most relevant articles to understand the development and evolution of this model. This evolution allows us to understand our own evolution as musculoskeletal physical therapists, visualizing a phenomenological conception of pain, understanding its complexity and multidimensionality.

Is kinesiophobia related to fear of falling, dizziness disability, and migraine disability in patients with migraine?

INTRODUCTION: Kinesiophobia is a common symptom associated with high disability, and has been observed in patients with migraine. However, the association between kinesiophobia and clinical factors in this population is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the fear of falling, dizziness disability, and migraine disability in patients with migraine, considering the presence of kinesiophobia. METHODS: Eighty patients with migraine completed the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and were divided into two groups according to the questionnaire cutoff point: migraine without kinesiophobia (MoK, n = 39) and migraine with kinesiophobia (MK, n = 41). Fear of falling, dizziness disability, and migraine disability were assessed in both groups using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: The MK group presented higher scores on dizziness disability, fear of falling, and migraine disability compared to the MoK (p < .05). Kinesiophobia can explain 29% of the variance in dizziness disability and 18% of migraine disability. Both kinesiophobia and the presence of dizziness can explain 14% of fear of falling variability. Also, kinesiophobia is associated with the risk of presenting fear of falling (Prevalence Ratio = 2.4, p = .012), and migraine disability (Prevalence Ratio = 2.6, p = .01). CONCLUSION: The presence of kinesiophobia should be considered in clinical practice when evaluating migraine, as it is associated with increased levels of fear of falling, dizziness disability, and migraine disability.

Can muscle weakness and disability influence the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain worsening in patients with knee osteoarthritis? A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To verify if the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain worsening would be mediated by muscle weakness and disability in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in a hospital out-patient setting. Convenience sampling was used with a total of 50 participants with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Pain and the activities of daily livings (ADL) were assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale. Pain catastrophizing was assessed using the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (CSQ) subscale. Muscle strength of knee extension and 30-s chair stand test (30CST) were also assessed. Path analysis was performed to test the hypothetical model. Goodness of fit of models were assessed by using statistical parameters such as the chi-square value, goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), comparative fit index (CFI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). RESULTS: The chi-square values were not significant (chi-square=0.283, p=0.594), and the indices of goodness of fit were high, implying a valid model (GFI=1.000; AGFI=0.997; CFI=1.000; RMSEA=0.000). Pain was influenced significantly by muscle strength and ADL; muscle strength was influenced significantly by ADL via 30CST; ADL was influenced by pain catastrophizing. CONCLUSION: The relationship between pain catastrophizing with pain worsening are mediated by muscle weakness and disability.

Fear-avoidance beliefs increase perception of pain and disability in Mexicans with chronic low back pain / Crenças de medo e evitação aumentam a percepção de dor e incapacidade em mexicanos com lombalgia crônica

ABSTRACT Background: Fear-avoidance beliefs are related to the prognosis of chronicity in low back pain in subacute stages, however in chronic pain, is no clear the influence of these factors; it has been suggested that the study population can determine the magnitude of influence on disability and pain of those suffering from back pain. Currently, information does not exist in the Mexican population. Objective: To analyze the relationship between fear-avoidance beliefs with pain and disability in Mexicans with chronic low back pain; analyze potentials differences between subgroups according to the time of evolution. Methods: Cross-sectional study in Mexicans with chronic LBP aged between 18 and 45. Data were collected on general socio demographic characteristics, time of evolution, body mass index, pain, disability and fear-avoidance beliefs. Results: 33 men and 47 women, with an average age of 34.19 ± 7.65 years. Higher scores of fear-avoidance beliefs were obtained in women (47.2 ± 20.99 versus 38.5 ± 9.7; p = 0.05) and single participants (p = 0.04). A positive correlation was found between disability (r = 0.603, p < 0.001) and pain (r = 0.234, p = 0.03) with high scores of fear-avoidance beliefs. Through generalized linear models for disability, total score of the fear avoidance beliefs questionnaire showed a standardized beta coefficient of 0.603, p < 0.001 (R 2 of 0.656); for pain showed a standardized beta coefficient of 0.29, p = 0.01 (R 2 of 0.721). Conclusion: The present study suggests that there is a strong relationship between pain severity, FABQ scores, and functional disability in Mexicans with chronic LBP.

RESUMO Introdução: As crenças de medo e evitação estão relacionadas com o prognóstico da cronicidade da lombalgia nas fases subagudas; contudo, na dor crônica, não é clara a influência desses fatores. Sugeriu-se que um estudo populacional pode determinar a magnitude da influência da lombalgia sobre a incapacidade e a dor. Atualmente não há informação a esse respeito na população mexicana. Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre as crenças de medo e evitação com a dor e incapacidade em mexicanos com lombalgia crônica; analisar potenciais diferenças entre subgrupos determinados pelo tempo de evolução. Métodos: Estudo transversal em mexicanos com lombalgia crônica entre 18 e 45 anos. Coletaram-se dados sobre características sociodemográficas gerais, tempo de evolução, índice de massa corporal, dor, incapacidade e crenças de medo e evitação. Resultados: Foram estudados 33 homens e 47 mulheres com média de 34,19 ± 7,65 anos. Obtiveram-se escores de crenças de medo e evitação mais elevados em participantes do sexo feminino (47,2 ± 20,99 versus 38,5 ± 9,7; p = 0,05) e solteiros (p = 0,04). Encontrou-se uma correlação positiva entre a incapacidade (r = 0,603, p < 0,001) e a dor (r = 0,234, p = 0,03), com altas pontuações de crenças de medo e evitação. Por meio de modelos lineares generalizados para incapacidade, a pontuação total no questionário de crenças de medo e evitação mostrou um coeficiente beta padronizado de 0,603, p < 0,001 (R2 de 0,656); para a dor, mostrou um coeficiente beta padronizado de 0,29, p = 0,01 (R2 de 0,721). Conclusão: O presente estudo sugere que há uma forte relação entre a intensidade da dor, os escores no FABQ e a incapacidade funcional em mexicanos com lombalgia crônica.

Fear-avoidance beliefs increase perception of pain and disability in Mexicans with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Fear-avoidance beliefs are related to the prognosis of chronicity in low back pain in subacute stages, however in chronic pain, is no clear the influence of these factors; it has been suggested that the study population can determine the magnitude of influence on disability and pain of those suffering from back pain. Currently, information does not exist in the Mexican population. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between fear-avoidance beliefs with pain and disability in Mexicans with chronic low back pain; analyze potentials differences between subgroups according to the time of evolution. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in Mexicans with chronic LBP aged between 18 and 45. Data were collected on general socio demographic characteristics, time of evolution, body mass index, pain, disability and fear-avoidance beliefs. RESULTS: 33 men and 47 women, with an average age of 34.19±7.65 years. Higher scores of fear-avoidance beliefs were obtained in women (47.2±20.99 versus 38.5±9.7; p=0.05) and single participants (p=0.04). A positive correlation was found between disability (r=0.603, p<0.001) and pain (r=0.234, p=0.03) with high scores of fear-avoidance beliefs. Through generalized linear models for disability, total score of the fear avoidance beliefs questionnaire showed a standardized beta coefficient of 0.603, p<0.001 (R2 of 0.656); for pain showed a standardized beta coefficient of 0.29, p=0.01 (R2 of 0.721). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that there is a strong relationship between pain severity, FABQ scores, and functional disability in Mexicans with chronic LBP.

A prospective study predicting the outcome of chronic low back pain and physical therapy: the role of fear-avoidance beliefs and extraspinal pain.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prognostic factors for conventional physical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirteen patients with CLBP selected at the Spinal Disease Outpatient Clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity was scored using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and function was measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). RESULTS: The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire work subscale results (FABQ-work; odds ratio [OR]=0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.56, p<0.001) and extraspinal pain (OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.17-0.74, p=0.006) were independently associated with a decreased response to conventional physical therapy for CLBP. CONCLUSION: We identified high FABQ-work and extraspinal pain scores as key determinants of a worse response to physical therapy among CLBP patients, supporting the need for a special rehabilitation program for this subgroup.

A prospective study predicting the outcome of chronic low back pain and physical therapy: the role of fear-avoidance beliefs and extraspinal pain / Estudo prospectivo de fatores prognósticos em lombalgia crônica tratados com fisioterapia: papel do medo-evitação e dor extraespinal

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prognostic factors for conventional physical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Prospective observational study. Participants: One hundred thirteen patients with CLBP selected at the Spinal Disease Outpatient Clinic. Main outcome measures: Pain intensity was scored using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and function was measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Results: The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire work subscale results (FABQ-work; odds ratio [OR] = 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13–0.56, p < 0.001) and extraspinal pain (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.17–0.74, p = 0.006) were independently associated with a decreased response to conventional physical therapy for CLBP. Conclusion: We identified high FABQ-work and extraspinal pain scores as key determinants of a worse response to physical therapy among CLBP patients, supporting the need for a special rehabilitation program for this subgroup.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os fatores prognósticos para a fisioterapia convencional em pacientes com lombalgia mecânica comum crônica (LMC). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo observacional. Participantes: Foram selecionados pelo Ambulatório de Doenças da Coluna Vertebral 113 pacientes com lombalgia mecânica comum crônica. Medidas de desfecho principais: A intensidade da dor foi pontuada utilizando a Escala Numérica de Dor (END) e a função foi medida usando o Questionário Roland-Morris de Incapacidade (RMDQ). Resultados: Os resultados da subescala trabalho do Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-trabalho; odds ratio [OR] = 0,27, intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%] 0,13–0,56, p < 0,001) e da dor extraespinal (OR = 0,35, IC 0,17–0,74, p = 0,006) estiveram independentemente associados a uma diminuição na resposta à fisioterapia convencional para a lombalgia crônica. Conclusão: Foram identificados escores elevados na FABQ-trabalho e dor extraespinal como determinantes-chave para uma pior resposta à fisioterapia em pacientes com LMC o que apoia a necessidade de um programa de reabilitação especial para este subgrupo.

A prospective study predicting the outcome of chronic low back pain and physical therapy: the role of fear-avoidance beliefs and extraspinal pain. / Estudo prospectivo de fatores prognósticos em lombalgia crônica tratados com fisioterapia: papel do medo-evitação e dor extraespinal.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prognostic factors for conventional physical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirteen patients with CLBP selected at the Spinal Disease Outpatient Clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity was scored using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and function was measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). RESULTS: The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire work subscale results (FABQ-work; odds ratio [OR]=0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13 to 0.56, p<0.001) and extraspinal pain (OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.74, p=0.006) were independently associated with a decreased response to conventional physical therapy for CLBP. CONCLUSION: We identified high FABQ-work and extraspinal pain scores as key determinants of a worse response to physical therapy among CLBP patients, supporting the need for a special rehabilitation program for this subgroup.