Correlation between Pain, Kinesiophobia and Physical Activity Level in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain Aged between 30 to 50 Years

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common conditions encountered by a physical therapist in their clinical practice. Chronic low back pain is difficult to treat due to various environmental and psychological factors such as kinesiophobia, which may possibly lead to altered or reduced physical activity level producing various effects on musculoskeletal system. In addition to this, little is known about the relation between these factors, especially in Indian population. Therefore, it is important to find out if any correlation exists between these factors. Methods: This Correlational study included 53 patients of both gender suffering from chronic low back pain. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Marathi version of Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were administered in the patients after obtaining their consent. The responses were collected and then analyzed using Pearson’s coefficient. Results: The mean pain intensity was found to be 3.11±2.24 and 6.86±1.91 at rest and on activity respectively. Mean score of kinesiophobia was 29.11±5.00. Mean score of physical activity level was 5466.62±5362. Significant correlation was found between pain during activity and kinesiophobia (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates significantly positive correlation between pain during activity and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain aged between 30-50 years. However, no significant correlation was obtained between pain and physical activity level, kinesiophobia and physical activity level. Keywords: Chronic low back pain, Kinesiophobia, Physical activity level, TSK, IPAQ.