Does the awareness of having a lumbar spondylolisthesis influence self-efficacy and kinesiophobia? A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background: High pain self-efficacy and low kinesiophobia seem related to a better prognosis in patients complaining of low back pain (LBP). The literature stresses the potential negative effects of anatomical defect diagnosis (e.g. lumbar spondylolisthesis) on the psychological profile. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between awareness of having a spondylolisthesis, pain self-efficacy and kinesiophobia. Methods: A secondary retrospective analysis was done. Ninety-eight subjects with subacute and chronic LBP were included: 49 subjects with diagnosed symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis and 49 subjects with diagnosed nonspecific LBP. The pain self-efficacy measured with the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and the fear of movement measured with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were considered variables to investigate, whereas diagnosis and demographic/clinical variables were considered predictors or potential confounders. Results: By comparing the two groups, the awareness of having a spondylolisthesis did not significantly influence neither pain self-efficacy (p = 0.82), nor kinesiophobia (p = 0.75). Higher perceived pain reduces pain self-efficacy and increases kinesiophobia in both groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0,031 respectively). Conclusions: It seems that the awareness of an anatomical defect as spondylolisthesis does not significantly affect the beliefs of carry out activities and movements despite the pain. Other studies with wider samples are required, to confirm these preliminary results.

Impact of kinesiophobia on initiation of cardiac rehabilitation: a prospective cohort path analysis

“…21 The association between self-efficacy and kinesiophobia has been shown in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, but not in patients with CVD. 22 23 Zelle et al reported that the impact of kinesiophobia on PA is largely mediated by self-efficacy, and should therefore be evaluated when targeting kinesiophobia. 24 Our study showed that self-efficacy increased the likelihood of CR initiation by 10%.…”

“…Self-efficacy refers to ‘one’s belief in their capacity to execute behaviours necessary to produce specific performance attainments’ 21. The association between self-efficacy and kinesiophobia has been shown in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, but not in patients with CVD 22 23. Zelle et al reported that the impact of kinesiophobia on PA is largely mediated by self-efficacy, and should therefore be evaluated when targeting kinesiophobia 24.…”

Lumbar spondylolisthesis: STATE of the art on assessment and conservative treatment

“…Self-efficacy and active coping are protective factors for quality of life in chronic LBP patients [ 21 , 22 ], while fear-avoidance beliefs and passive coping are considered risk factors [ 21 ]. Patients with chronic LBP show poor self-efficacy and heightened fear of movement [ 23 , 24 ] and these issues may be present also in SPL due to an awareness of vertebral slipping and fear of damage [ 25 ].…”

“…Because poor self-efficacy and high fear of movements are associated with pain intensity and disability in SPL [ 25 ], health education and active strategies to enhance pain self-efficacy, decrease fear-avoidance beliefs and modify pain coping styles [ 21 , 102 – 104 ] are also relevant in ishtmic SPL patients [ 93 ]. Education is an active process, dispelling unhelpful beliefs and building behavioral learning and self-efficacy regarding the safety and benefit of movement/activity.…”

“…Relative to information and education, Ferrari and colleagues [ 25 ] tested the hypothesis that patients with SPL, who know they have a slipped vertebra, may exhibit less self-efficacy and more fear-avoidance behaviors compared to patients with non-specific LBP. The results of this study showed that this awareness did not significantly influence pain self-efficacy or kinesiophobia.…”