The Relationship between the Level of Somatosensory Amplification and Psychological and Functional Status in Patients
M Ergan1, T İ Parpucu1, Z Başkurt1
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.
Background:
Somatosensory amplification plays a role in the development of pain and psychological distress associated with chronic musculoskeletal conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Objective:
The aim of the current research is to examine the relationship between the level of somatosensory amplification and psychological and functional status in patients diagnosed with knee OA.
Methods:
The study included 88 patients with knee OA (mean age: 63.55 ± 10.06 years; 79.5% female). Patient evaluation was conducted using several standardized tools: the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TAMPA), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC).
Results:
In individuals aged 75 and over, SSAS (P= 0.011) and BDI (P < 0.001) scores were statistically significantly higher than those of both 40-64 and 65-74 years age groups; TAMPA (P= 0.04) and WOMAC (P= 0.001) scores were statistically significantly higher than those of 40-64 years age group. TAMPA (P= 0.008), BDI (P= 0.019), and WOMAC (P= 0.005) scores were significantly higher in females than in males. The studied parameters did not change significantly according to the disease duration. When the relationship between somatosensory amplification and kinesiophobia, pain, depression level, and functional status was examined, positive correlation was revealed between the SSAS and TAMPA (r= 0.232, P= 0.029), BDI (r= 0.379, P= 0.000), and WOMAC (r= 0.299, P= 0.005) scores.
Conclusion:
Patients with knee OA often experience increased depression, kinesiophobia, pain, and reduced functional status. They also tend to show heightened somatosensory amplification, linked to psychological distress and functional limitations. Addressing these cognitive patterns within individualized rehabilitation may improve treatment outcomes.
