Responsiveness and minimal important change of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale in people with chronic low back pain undergoing multidisciplinary rehabilitation

Short- and medium-term effects of a single session of pain neuroscience education on pain and psychological factors in patients with chronic low back pain. A single-blind randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Biopsychosocial approach in patients suffering chronic low back pain (CLBP) promotes pain self-management strategies. Current evidence recommends high dose of Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) for clinically significant differences. However, the workload and time constraints experienced by healthcare providers impede the application of the recommended treatment regimen. In fact, Back School with a biomechanical model is the main approach to manage CLBP in public systems.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore the effect of a 60 min single session of PNE as an adjunct to back school on pain intensity and psychological variables patients with CLBP.

METHODS

A double-blind, two-arm randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in patients with CLBP who attended back school sessions held in a Spanish public hospital. A total of 121 patients were randomized into control group, who received the Back School program during 5 weeks, and intervention group, who additionally received a single session of PNE. Patient-reported outcomes were the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Central Sensitization Inventory, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, with a 12-week follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients were analysed. Intervention and control group presented similar effects on pain and kinesiophobia. At follow-up, intervention group exhibited reduced sensitization and catastrophism scores compared with control, including the subscales. Additionally, PNE reduced the percentage of participants classified as having central sensitization compared with control.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding a single PNE session in the back school program did not reduce pain but improved psychological factors as central sensitization and pain catastrophizing at medium-term. This study highlights the potential of PNE to optimize treatment strategies for CLBP, especially in public health centres where time resources are scarce.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Adding a single PNE session in the back school program did not reduce pain but improved psychological factors as central sensitization and pain catastrophism at medium-term.

Characteristics of patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the low back

The objective of this study is to determine characteristics of patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the low back and the degree to which the low back pain in the patients examined can be attributed to MPS. Twenty-five subjects with myofascial trigger point(s) [MTrP(s)] on the low back participated in this cross-sectional study. The location, number, and type of selected MTrPs were identified by palpation and verified by ultrasound. Pain pressure threshold, physical function, and other self-reported outcomes were measured. Significant differences were found in Group 1 (Active), 2 (Latent), 3 (Atypical, no twitching but with spontaneous pain), and 4 (Atypical, no twitching and no spontaneous pain) of participants in the number of MTrPs, current pain, and worst pain in the past 24 h (p = .001-.01). There were interaction effects between spontaneous pain and twitching response on reports of physical function, current pain, and worst pain (p = .002-.04). Participants in Group 3 reported lower levels of physical function, and higher levels of current pain and worst pain compared to those in Group 4. Participants in Group 1 and 2 had similar levels of physical function, current pain, and worst pain. The number of MTrPs is most closely associated with the level of pain. Spontaneous pain report seems to be a decisive factor associated with poor physical function; however, twitching response is not.

Establishing the interpretability and utility of the 4-item BriefPCS

To reduce the patient burden associated with completing the 13-item Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the 4-item "BriefPCS" was developed. To date, no crosswalk has been developed that associates scores on the BriefPCS with PCS scores. Further, no study has compared the use of BriefPCS and PCS scores in a randomized clinical trial (RCT). We aimed to: (1) establish the interpretability of BriefPCS scores in reference to PCS scores, (2) compare the concurrent validity between the BriefPCS and PCS, and (3) asssess the use of BriefPCS in an RCT. First, we conducted equipercentile linking, created a crosswalk that associated scores of BriefPCS with PCS, and calculated differences between PCS and crosswalked PCS scores. Secondly, we compared Bootstrap correlation coefficients between PCS and self-reported measures of other domains. Lastly, we compared results from an RCT using BriefPCS scores versus PCS scores. Findings indicated that the correlation coefficient estimates with the BriefPCS and PCS scores were not significantly different. BriefPCS and PCS scores had similar ability to detect treatment-related changes. The BriefPCS scores validly, reliably, and accurately distinguish levels of pain catastrophizing. Additionally, the BriefPCS scores are sensitive to changes after behavioral interventions, with less respondent burden compared to the PCS scores.

Pain Catastrophizing and Its Association with Military Medical Disability Among US Active Duty Service Members with Chronic Predominately Musculoskeletal Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Context

Pain catastrophizing is characterized by negative emotional and cognitive responses to pain and is a predictor of work-related disability. Its association with military medical disability has not been studied.

Objective

To (1) identify the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) score cut point most strongly associated with military medical disability, (2) measure the difference in rate of disability between service members with baseline PCS scores above versus below the cut point, and (3) determine if improvement in PCS score during pain specialty care is associated with decreased likelihood of disability.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort analysis comparing PCS scores collected from US Army active duty service members at time of initial visit to an interdisciplinary pain management center and periodically during pain treatment. Outcome was determination during the following year of a military service-disqualifying disability.

Results

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined that a PCS score of 20 was the single cut point most closely associated with subsequent disability. Kaplan-Meier curves showed significantly higher disability rate during the following year among those with baseline PCS scores ≥20 (52%) compared to those with lower scores (26%). Scheffe-adjusted contrasts showed that service members with PCS scores ≥20 whose scores improved to <20 at follow-up were significantly less likely to have a medical disability (42.6%; 95% CI, 0.07-0.58) than those whose PCS score remained ≥20 (76.3%; 95% CI, 68.0%-84.7%).

Conclusion

A PCS score cut point of 20 distinguishes between high versus low likelihood of disability among service members. Those with high baseline PCS score had twice the likelihood of disability than those with low scores. Service members who decreased their PCS score from high to low during pain specialty care had lower likelihood of disability. Prospective research is needed to determine if treatments that lower pain catastrophizing yield reduced likelihood of subsequent disability.

To evaluate responsiveness and minimal important change (MIC) for the Persian versions of FABQ, TSK, and PCS

INTRODUCTION

Fear avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ), Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK), and pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) are tools widely used to measure fear-avoidance beliefs, fear of movement, and pain-related catastrophic thinking in people with chronic spinal disorders.

PURPOSE

To evaluate responsiveness and minimal important change (MIC) for the Persian version of FABQ, TSK, and PCS.

METHOD

One hundred people with chronic non-specific neck pain participated in an intervention program including routine physiotherapy plus pain neuroscience education. They fulfilled FABQ, TSK, and PCS questionnaires at baseline and 4-week follow-up. The 7-point global rating of change (GRC) as the external anchor was also completed in follow-up by patients. Responsiveness was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and correlation analysis. According to GRC, patients were classified into two groups (improved vs. unimproved). The best cutoff or MIC was estimated via the ROC curve.

RESULTS

Acceptable responsiveness obtained for FABQ, TSK, and PCS with the area under the curve ranging from 0.84 to 0.94 and spearman coefficient > 0.6. The MIC values reflecting improvement were 9.5, 10.5, and 12.5 points, respectively, for FABQ, TSK, and PCS.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated that the Persian version of FABQ, TSK, and PCS have sufficient responsiveness and good ability to measure meaningful clinical changes in people with patient CNNP. The MIC scores of the FABQ, TSK, and PCS can help clinicians and researchers to detect changes significant to the patient following a rehabilitation program.

Construct validity of the Mini-BESTest in individuals with chronic pain in specialized pain care

BACKGROUND

Balance assessment scales are important clinical tests to identify balance impairments. Chronic pain (> 3 months) is associated with impaired dynamic balance; however, very few balance assessment scales are psychometrically evaluated for the population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the construct validity and internal consistency of the Mini-BESTest for individuals with chronic pain in specialized pain care.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 180 individuals with chronic pain (> 3 months) were assessed with the Mini-BESTest and included in the analyses. For construct validity, five alternative factor structures were evaluated using a confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, we tested the a priori hypotheses about convergent validity with the 10-meter walk test, and divergent validity with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI): pain intensity, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS-SW). Internal consistency was evaluated for the model with the best fit.

RESULTS

A one-factor model with added covariance via the modification indices showed adequate fit indices. In line with our hypotheses, Mini-BESTest showed convergent validity (r_s = > 0.70) with the 10-meter walk test, and divergent validity (r_s = < 0.50) with BPI pain intensity, TSK-11, and PCS-SW. Internal consistency for the one-factor model was good (α = 0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supported the construct validity and internal consistency of the Mini-BESTest for measuring balance in individuals with chronic pain, who were referred to specialized pain care. The one-factor model showed an adequate fit. In comparison, models with subscales did not reach convergence, or showed high correlations between subscales, implying that Mini-BESTest is measuring one construct in this sample. We, therefore, propose using the total score, instead of subscale scores, for individuals with chronic pain. However, further studies are necessary to establish the reliability of the Mini-BESTest in the population.

Patellofemoral pain over time: Protocol for a prospective, longitudinal study investigating physical and non-physical features

Background

This is a protocol for a prospective longitudinal study that aims to investigate: (1) group-by-time changes over a minimum of 15 months follow-up in patellofemoral pain (PFP) symptoms, biomechanical, muscle function, pain processing, and psychological features; (2) the extent to which changes in biomechanical, muscle function, pain processing, and psychological features are associated with changes in self-reported pain, physical performance measures, self-reported function, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and physical activity level.

Methods

Individuals with PFP (n = 144) and control individuals (n = 85) without PFP were assessed at baseline. Outcomes assessed included: 3D kinematics and kinetics during single leg squat, step-down and single leg hop; maximal torque and rate of torque development of hip abductors and knee extensors/flexors; force steadiness of hip abductors and knee extensors; anterior and lateral trunk endurance; pressure pain thresholds at the center of patella and contralateral shoulder; kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia); pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale); worst self-reported pain (Visual Analogue Scale); physical performance measures (Single Leg Hop Test and Forward Step-Down Test); self-reported function (Anterior Knee Pain Scale); HRQOL (Medical Outcome Short-Form 36), and physical activity level (Baecke's Questionnaire). Follow-up assessments will be identical to the baseline and will be performed after a minimum of 15 months. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) will be used to investigate group-by-time differences. Linear regression models will be used to determine the extent to which changes in biomechanical, muscle function, pain processing, and psychological features are associated with changes in self-reported pain, physical performance measures, self-reported function, HRQOL, and physical activity level.

Discussion

Physical and non-physical features have been previously associated with PFP. However, the present study will be the first to investigate their integrated evolution as part of the natural history of PFP and its progression. In doing so, we will be able to determine their behavior in the long-term, as well as how they prospectively associate with each other and with clinical outcomes. Ultimately, this will provide a greater understanding of predictors of long-term outcome and possible targets for interventions.

What factors predict outcome from an inpatient multidisciplinary chronic pain service? A prospective cohort study

Objective To identify baseline factors associated with outcomes from an inpatient multidisciplinary pain management program (PMP) located in a bicultural area of Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods A prospective cohort study was undertaken involving 164 people with chronic pain who attended the PMP. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial measures were obtained at baseline, whereas clinical and psychosocial outcome measures were also obtained at program discharge and 3-month follow up (N  = 100). Multivariate analyses were used to determine baseline demographic variables that were associated with outcomes at discharge and follow up. Results Being male and working full-time were associated with poorer outcomes in select measures at discharge. At the 3-month follow up, Māori ethnicity, working full-time, being retired or unemployed, or having chronic widespread pain were associated with poorer outcomes for some measures, whereas those with rheumatoid arthritis had greater self-efficacy. Conclusions Sex, ethnicity, employment status, and patient condition impact clinical outcomes from the program and in the time from discharge to follow up. Program content and/or delivery should be altered to promote more equitable outcomes for all patients in the long term.

Responsiveness of the UW Concerns About Pain Scale and UW Pain-Related Self-Efficacy Scale in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to examine the responsiveness, presence of floor or ceiling effects, and minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for 2 new measures of pain-related catastrophizing and self-efficacy in individuals with chronic low back pain.

METHODS

A total of 183 individuals with chronic low back pain recruited from physical therapy clinics in Thailand completed the Thai versions of the 6-item University of Washington Concerns About Pain scale (T-UW-CAP6) and 6-item University of Washington Pain-Related Self-Efficacy scale (T-UW-PRSE6) at baseline and at 4 weeks follow-up. Perceived change in low back symptom was assessed at 4 weeks using a 7-point measure of Global Perceived Effect (GPE). Responsiveness of the T-UW-CAP6 and the T-UW-PRSE6 scale scores were evaluated by computing the effect sizes and standardized response means for change over time, and examining these as a function of the GPE ratings. Floor and ceiling effects were examined by evaluating the score distributions. Scale core MCIDs were estimated by computing a half a SD and SE of measurement statistics for each scale.

RESULTS

Responsiveness of the scales to pain treatment was supported by differences found in the mean change scores as a function of the treatment response categories. No significant floor or ceiling effects were found for either measure. Changes of 4.38 and 3.68 appeared to be the smallest change score perceived as clinical meaningful for the T-UW-CAP6 and T-UW-PRSE 6 scale scores, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The T-UW-CAP6 and T-UW-PRSE6 demonstrated good ability to detect perceived changes over time in patients with chronic low back pain. The MCIDs values provide a benchmark for assessing individual improvement in this clinical context.

Influence of education level on the effectiveness of pain neuroscience education: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Current evidence supports the use of pain neuroscience education (PNE) in several chronic pain populations. However, the effects of PNE at group level are rather small and little is known about the influence of personal factors (e.g. level of education [LoE]).

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the effectiveness of PNE differs in chronic spinal pain (CSP) patients with high LOE (at least a Bachelor's degree) versus lower educated patients.

METHOD

A total of 120 Belgian CSP patients were randomly assigned to the experimental (PNE) or control group (biomedical-focused neck/back school). Participants within each group were further subcategorized based on highest achieved LoE. ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc analyses were used to evaluate differences in effectiveness of the interventions between higher and lower educated participants.

RESULTS

No differences between higher and lower educated participants were identified for pain-related disability. Significant interactions (P < .05) were found for kinesiophobia and several illness perceptions components. Bonferroni post-hoc analysis revealed a significant improvement in kinesiophobia (P < .001 and P < .002, medium effect sizes) and perceived negative consequences (P < .001 and P < .008, small effect sizes) in the PNE groups. Only the higher education PNE group showed a significant improvement in perceived illness cyclicity (P = .003, small effect size). Post-treatment kinesiophobia was significant lower in the higher educated PNE group compared to the higher educated control group (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the exploratory findings suggest no clinical meaningful differences in effectiveness of PNE between higher and lower educated people. PNE is effective in improving kinesiophobia and several aspects of illness perceptions regardless of LoE.