The sickness impact profile: a global measure of disability in chronic low back pain

This investigation examines the utility of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) for assessing disability associated with chronic pain and presents normative data on a sample of 107 patients experiencing chronic low back pain (CLBP). The results support the validity of the SIP as a measure of functional status with CLBP patients. Specifically, the psychosocial dimension was significantly correlated with the emotional distress categories of the MMPI and the physical dimension score was inversely associated with standing/walking and positively correlated with time spent lying down. In addition, the SIP appears to be a measure with sufficient sensitivity to detect pre-/post-treatment changes. Patients suffering from CLBP show significant impairment in physical, psychosocial, and work and recreational activities. The greatest impairment reported was in the area of work, but disability ratings for recreation, home management, social interaction, emotional behavior, and sleep and rest were also comparatively high. Based upon its reliability, validity, breadth of assessment, and ease of administration, the SIP appears to be well suited for the assessment of patients suffering from chronic pain and evaluating the efficacy of multidisciplinary pain units.