Researchers examine recurrence of low...( pain can flare up again within the foll...),Health

pain can flare up again within the following year in as many as 50 percent of those cases, with 33 percent of sufferers reporting occasional or persistent pain and 20 percent reporting pain that limits physical activity. Between 7 and 10 percent develop a chronic pain disorder that may last for years. Medical expenses and work absenteeism due to back pain disability are estimated at $20 billion to $40 billion per year in the United States, according to the researchers.

To further examine the problem, the Ohio University-led research team will conduct two related studies. In the first phase, 44 participants who currently experience low back pain will perform a series of reaching exercises. Sensors placed on arm, leg, back and trunk muscles will track their movements, and the volunteers will fill out questionnaires designed to gauge their level of kinesiophobia. The research team will follow up with the participants for three months after the initial testing.

In phase two of the study, 96 participants who recently have recovered from a back pain injury will undergo four sets of similar testing exercises in the lab, and then will be monitored for an entire year. Both studies, conducted at laboratories in Athens and Columbus, Ohio, are expected to start in October.

The project builds on previous work by Thomas that developed the standardized reaching protocol used to detect changes in motor coordination in individuals with low back pain. The researchers also will draw on previous studies on fear avoidance, including those that have shown that people who have suffered from back pain fall into two categories: avoiders and confronters. Avoiders, who rate high on the scales of kinesiophobia, are prone to catastrophic thoughts and fear that their pain will grow worse with continued physical exercise. Confronters, who rate low on the scales of kinesiophobia, think they can work through the pain. According to co-investigator Christopher France, professor of
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4-Oct-2004

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