Researchers examine recurrence of low...( ATHENS Ohio Eight out of 10 adults ex...),Health

ATHENS, Ohio Eight out of 10 adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives, and while the nagging aches usually go away on their own, about half of those people will suffer another episode in the following year. A new Ohio University study will examine who is most at risk for recurrent back pain and what causes it.

A team led by James Thomas, assistant professor of physical therapy in the university's College of Health and Human Services, received a $1.55 million, four-year grant from the National Institute of Health to examine the cause and effect of changes in motor coordination in low back pain sufferers. After experiencing an initial episode of back pain, some individuals may restrict physical movements such as reaching and bending to avoid further discomfort. People who become "stuck" in maladaptive movement patterns may be at greater risk for pain and re-injury, however, when faced with physical challenges that require coordinated movement of their spines.

The study also will explore how psychological behavior impacts motor coordination to either delay or promote recovery from an episode of low back pain. The researchers will question whether an individual's level of kinesiophobia -- fear of movement and re-injury -- actually can impact patterns of physical activity.

"This investigation brings together promising ideas from the motor coordination and health psychology literatures to provide an innovative integration of the best predictors of recurrent low back pain," Thomas said. "Once we have identified the relationship between dysfunctional movement patterns and levels of kinesiophobia, our long-term goal is to provide treatment guidelines based on each patient's unique motor coordination profile and kinesiophobia score."

Back pain can be a big problem for many Americans, as recent reports suggest that 3.7 million people seek medical care each year for an acute episode of low back pain, according to the researchers. The
'"/>


4-Oct-2004

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. Researchers search for first sign of congestive heart failure
2. Researchers say breast cancer in Africa may provide clues to the disease in African-Americans
3. Researchers close in on breast cancer vaccine
4. Researchers discover link between insulin and Alzheimers
5. Researchers model brains electrical storm during a seizure
6. Researchers track programs success in curbing aggressive behavior
7. Researchers confirm Vioxx nearly doubled cardiovascular risks in cancer prevention study
8. Researchers offer emergency workers a lifeline
9. Researchers discover genetic variant that may explain why women develop M.S. more than men
10. Researchers map the sexual network of an entire high school
11. Researchers hope monkeys can provide new insights into depression