The effects of a physical rehabilitation program on kinesiophobia, fear avoidance beliefs and pain catastrophizing thoughts in persons with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Research has shown the effect of psychological factors in the transition from acute to CLBP. Kinesiophobia, fear avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing thoughts and other psychological factors have a negative influence on the rehabilitation of CLBP. Therefore, a rehabilitation program focused on these factors is necessary. There are many treatment options for CLBP. Although there is yet no evidence for the best option, an active, conservative rehabilitation program seems to be better than a passive rehabilitation approach. This systematic review focused on the effect of physical training ' therapy including an active component - on kinesiophobia and other psychological factors in CLBP. The most important findings of this literature review (n=26) are the following: - Kinesiophobia, fear avoidance beliefs and pain catastrophizing thoughts was evaluated in respectively seventeen, nine and eight studies. - Physical training (exercise training, cognitive behavioral training or multidisciplinary training containing an active component) seems to be an effective treatment approach for reducing kinesiophobia, fear avoidance beliefs and pain catastrophizing thoughts in persons with CLBP. - Further research is needed to determine which rehabilitation program is the most effective in reducing kinesiophobia, fear avoidance beliefs and pain catastrophizing thoughts in persons with CLBP