Investigating the Relationship Between Kinesiophobia, Catastrophizing, Pain Intensity, Disability, and Gait Performance in Chronic Neck Pain

Mersad Ery; Maryam Saadat; Masumeh Hessam; Mohammad Mehravar; Negar Amirabadi

doi:10.18502/jmr.v18i3.16422

Mersad Ery Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Maryam Saadat Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Masumeh Hessam Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Mohammad Mehravar Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Negar Amirabadi Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v18i3.16422

Keywords: Neck pain; Gait; Pain; Disability; Psychological factors

Abstract

Introduction: There is little evidence regarding the relationship between gait performance and psychological factors in people with chronic neck pain. This study evaluates gait performance in patients with neck pain and explores the relationship between gait performance and kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, pain intensity, and disability.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 patients with chronic neck pain and 29 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited for this study. The participants performed timed up-and-go (TUG), and 10-m walk tests (TMW) with and without head-turning tests. The associations between clinical gait tests, kinesiophobia (Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK), pain catastrophizing scale, pain intensity (visual analog scale), and disability (neck disability index) were assessed.

Results: People with neck pain had significant differences in the TUG, and TMW with and without head-turning tests compared to controls (P<0.01). Kinesiophobia and pain catastrophism were significantly correlated with TMW tests (r range=0.45 to 0.71, and 0.40 to 0.47, respectively). Pain intensity and disability were not correlated with gait tests.

Conclusion: The gait performance, as represented by TUG and TMWs test scores, altered in patients with chronic neck pain in comparison controls. Fear of motion and pain catastrophizing thoughts correlated with clinical gait test scores.