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Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
Occupational Therapy Incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Informed Components for Pain-Related Activity
Naoki Ohkusa1, Wataru Kukizaki2, Ryota Hayasaki3
1Department of Rehabilitation, Kenwakai Otemachi Hospital, Kitakyushu, JPN.
Cureus
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Cognitive behavioral therapy-informed occupational therapy (OT) successfully reduced pain-related fear and avoidance in a patient recovering from upper-limb fracture surgery. This approach improved self-efficacy and functional recovery, suggesting its potential for early postoperative rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Occupational Therapy
- Pain Management
- Psychological Aspects of Recovery
Background:
- Postoperative pain includes nociceptive and psychological factors (anxiety, fear-avoidance) that can impede functional recovery.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for chronic pain, but its application in early upper-limb fracture surgery recovery is understudied.
- Fear-avoidance and low self-efficacy, rather than pain catastrophizing alone, can be key psychological drivers in postoperative recovery.
