Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Quantifying Pain Experience – An Illustrative Approach Using the Pain Body Diagram
Published on: July 7, 2023
Associations between attitudes and beliefs about the role of nutrition and diet quality with pain interference and
Brandon Fredhoff1, Andrew Bernstetter2, Harry Fotiou1
1Bellin College, Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy Program, Green Bay, WI, 54311, USA.
Background And Purpose:
Nutrition likely influences pain, but the role of patient beliefs remains understudied in musculoskeletal conditions. This study examined whether beliefs about the role of nutrition in pain, diet quality, and eating self-efficacy are associated with pain interference and physical function, accounting for symptom acuity.
Materials And Methods:
A longitudinal cohort of patients receiving physical therapy for musculoskeletal conditions between July 15 and December 4, 2024, was analyzed. Baseline measures included the Attitudes and Beliefs About Nutrition and Pain Questionnaire, Healthy Eating Score-7, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire-Short Form, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (pain interference, physical function). A linear mixed-effects model assessed associations with outcomes, including differences by symptom duration. Models were adjusted for age, body mass index, body region, and sex.
Results:
Among 438 participants, stronger nutrition-pain beliefs were associated with improved physical function (standardized beta coefficient [β] = 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.08; P = 0.001) and reduced pain interference (β = -0.03; 95% CI -0.06 to -0.003; P = 0.03) at 12 weeks. Diet quality and eating self-efficacy were not associated with outcomes. Participants with chronic symptoms had lower diet quality (mean difference = 20.03; 95% CI: 19.33 to 20.72; P = 0.03).
Conclusion:
Nutrition-pain beliefs demonstrated modest associations with improved physical function and reduced pain interference. While diet quality and eating self-efficacy were not associated with outcomes, lower diet quality was more common with chronic symptoms. These findings support holistic pain management approaches addressing nutrition beliefs within a person-centered framework.
Related Concept Videos
Taste Buds and Receptors
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications
Nociception
