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The Relationship of Pain Intensity, Perceived Injustice, and Pain Catastrophizing to Heart Rate Variability In
Karin B Steere1, Dale J Langford2,3, Sean M Collins4
1School of Physical Therapy, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA.
The Clinical Journal of Pain
|September 25, 2024
Summary
In acute pain, lower heart rate variability (HRV) is linked to less pain catastrophizing and lower pain intensity, but more perceived injustice. Understanding these factors is key for acute pain management.
Area of Science:
- Pain research
- Psychophysiology
- Autonomic nervous system function
Background:
- Pain catastrophizing, perceived injustice, and heart rate variability (HRV) are linked to chronic pain.
- The role of these factors in the acute pain phase, particularly the transition to chronic pain, is less understood.
- Diminished HRV is a known correlate of chronic pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between pain catastrophizing, perceived injustice, pain intensity, and HRV in acute pain.
- To explore potential differences in these associations between acute and chronic pain states.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-seven patients with acute pain from physical therapy clinics participated.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using a Polar chest strap.
- Pain catastrophizing (PCS), perceived injustice (IEQ), and pain intensity (NPRS) were assessed via survey.
Main Results:
- Lower HRV was associated with lower pain catastrophizing and lower pain intensity.
- Higher perceived injustice was also associated with lower HRV.
- These factors explained 11.4% of the variance in HRV in acute pain.
Conclusions:
- The association between pain intensity and HRV is reversed in acute pain compared to chronic pain.
- Perceived injustice may play a significant role in modulating HRV during acute pain.
- Further research is needed to understand the unique contributors to lower HRV in acute pain.
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