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Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
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Avoidance-Endurance Model in Older Black Men with Low Back Pain: Exploring Relationships.
Dottington Fullwood1, Sydney Means2, Raheem Paxton3
1Institute On Aging, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, CTRB 3118, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA. mdottington.full@ufl.edu.
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
|May 2, 2022
Summary
In older Black men with low back pain (LBP), helplessness negatively impacts function and pain. Negative cognitive factors, like helplessness, are linked to functional limitations in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent issue affecting older adults.
- Cognitive factors and behavioral patterns can influence pain perception and functional outcomes.
- Specific demographic groups, such as older Black men, may experience unique challenges with LBP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between negative cognitive orientations, avoidance behaviors, and fear of pain with functional performance and pain intensity in older Black men with LBP.
- To identify specific cognitive factors associated with poorer outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- Sixty Black men aged 60+ with LBP participated.
- Functional performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the 400-m walk test.
- Subjective measures included avoidance behaviors, back performance, pain intensity, and pain catastrophizing (rumination, magnification, helplessness).
- Multiple regression models were employed to analyze associations.
Main Results:
- Higher helplessness scores correlated with worse back performance, slower walking speed, and increased pain intensity.
- Higher rumination scores were associated with better back performance.
- Avoidance behaviors, fear of pain, and magnification did not show significant associations with the measured outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Negative cognitive factors, particularly helplessness, are associated with functional limitations in older Black men with LBP.
- Further research is warranted to explore cognitive orientations in this population to inform targeted interventions.
- Understanding these cognitive-behavioral links may lead to improved management strategies for LBP in older Black men.
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