Psychological predictors of performance-based physical functioning among pediatric pain program participants.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Pain Psychology
• Physical Functioning

Background:

• Chronic pain in children significantly impacts physical functioning and quality of life.
• Interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs aim to address the multifaceted nature of pediatric chronic pain.
• Understanding psychological predictors is crucial for tailoring interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in performance-based physical functioning in pediatric chronic pain patients post-intensive outpatient program (IOP).
• To investigate psychological predictors of physical functioning over time in this population.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-five pediatric patients with chronic pain completed baseline assessments of pain intensity and psychological factors (pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, anxiety, depressive symptoms).
• Performance-based physical functioning (physical endurance, high-level motor abilities) was assessed before and after the IOP.
• Statistical analyses controlled for demographic factors like sex, race, and ethnicity.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in physical endurance and high-level motor abilities were observed after IOP completion.
• Depressive symptoms were associated with baseline physical endurance (β = -0.28, p = 0.047).
• Pain catastrophizing was associated with baseline gross motor abilities (β = -0.28, p = 0.032). Pain intensity was not significantly associated with physical functioning.

Conclusions:

• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) effectively improve physical functioning in children with chronic pain.
• While psychological factors like depressive symptoms and pain catastrophizing predict initial physical function, their predictive power diminishes post-intervention.
• Integrating pain psychology and physical therapy within IOPs is vital for addressing interconnected psychological and physical challenges, leading to better outcomes.