The role of fear of movement in chronicity of pain in patients with

Fear of movement is a psychological construct with pivotal role in chronicity of pain. Chronic pain may lead to depression and anxiety in patients, which may change life quality and style. This study was aimed to evaluate the role of fear of movement in chronicity of pain in patients with musculoskeletal pain. Method and Materials: In a descriptive analytic study a sample of 170 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain referred to an orthopedic clinic at Atieh hospital (Tehran, Iran) was selected. Based on scores of Tampa Scale of Kinesophobia, were divided into three groups of high, medium, and low fear of pain. Data was analyzed by SPSS 12 using ANOVA test.

Patients with higher fear of pain received higher scores on other pain related measures except estimation of pain severity during the current and the next week. In addition, regression analysis showed that scores on Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale, and Pain vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire are the best predictors of Tampa Scale of Kinesophobia scores.

Fear of movement in patients with chronic pain is predictable by psychological variables which are correlated with pain specific anxiety rather than pain severity. Such variables can predict further movement and physical disability and have clinical implications for chronic pain management.