Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Buffers the Effect of Heart Rate Variability on Functional Capacity in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

IntroductionChronic low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability globally among older adults. Prevailing research suggests that autonomic dysregulation places individuals at increased risk for chronic pain. This study examines the moderating role of emotional self-efficacy (ESE) on the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and pain related-outcomes, including movement-evoked pain (MEP) and physical functioning.MethodsIn a secondary analysis of the Adaptability and Resilience in Aging Adults (ARIAA) study, a total of 58 adults (aged 60 and older) with chronic low back pain (cLBP) completed the PROMIS self-efficacy for managing emotions questionnaire and the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) to assess functional capacity and MEP. Heart rate variability, indexed by the frequency domain, was assessed for 5 min during rest.ResultsFor pain-related outcomes, having a lower body mass index (p = 0.03) was associated with better functional capacity on the 6MWT, while higher education level (p = 0.01) and less pain duration (p = 0.00) were correlated with lower MEP. After controlling for sex, age, and body mass index, an increase in low-frequency HRV (LF-HRV) was associated with poorer physical functioning among individuals low in ESE (b = −0.12 p = 0.03). No significant moderation effects were observed for MEP.ConclusionOur results bring attention to the degree to which ESE influences the relationship between LF-HRV and physical functioning. Interventions that enhance adaptive psychological processes such as ESE may dampen ANS dysregulation and mitigate risk for adverse pain outcomes among older adults with cLBP.

Construct validity and reliability of the 2-Minute Step Test (2MST) in individuals with low back pain

“…Chronic low back pain is a musculoskeletal disorder that generates disability in affected individuals. To understand the clinical aspects, it is necessary to assess pain intensity, quality of life, and disability [ 1 ]. Disability assessment shows limitations individuals with chronic low back pain face in daily living.…”

Schulterschmerzen im Wandel? Psychosoziale Faktoren vor und nach operativen Eingriffen

“…Derzeit existieren nur ein Fallbericht bezgl. Schulterschmerzen und eine Querschnittstudie mit Patient*innen mit chronischen Rückenschmerzen, bei denen die Erhebung des psychosozialen Zustandes durch einen Fragebogen mit den objektiven Werten aus einer HRV-Messung kombiniert wurde [42,43]. Daher erscheint der klinische Nutzen dieser Messmethode bisher noch unklar [40].…”

A comparison of the effects of connective tissue massage and classical massage on chronic mechanical low back pain

“…[ 6 , 7 ] It has been reported that heart rate variability may result from disability, pain, and distress in low back pain, which will result in increased sympathetic system activity. [ 8 ] El-Badawy et al [ 9 ] demonstrated a sympathetic dysfunction in individuals with chronic low back pain using electrophysiological methods. The evaluation of the autonomic nervous system function is often overlooked in clinics.…”