Physical activity, fear avoidance, and chronic non-specific pain: A narrative review. Issue 3 (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nelson, Nicole; Churilla, James R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. Volume 19:Issue 3(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 494
• Page End: 499
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Massage -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-8592

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="abs0010"> <title id="sectitle0010">Summary</title> <sec> <title id="sectitle0015">Background</title> <p id="abspara0010">Chronic non-specific pain (CNSP) and physical inactivity have become increasingly prevalent in the United States; however, the associations between the two remain unclear. The lack of clarity may be due to the presence of a third variable, the individual's pain coping strategy.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0020">Objectives</title> <p id="abspara0015">We had three specific aims. 1) To review the associations between fear-avoidance beliefs and behaviors, and levels of physical activity and disability. 2) To review the theoretical mechanisms behind chronic non-specific pain and the potential mediating role of physical activity. 3) Finally, to report the most commonly recommended interventions for fear-avoidant individuals suffering with chronic pain.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0025">Conclusions</title> <p id="abspara0020">Further investigation is needed to fully understand the associations between physical activity, chronic non-specific pain, and fear avoidant beliefs and behaviors. Precise relationships notwithstanding, there is strong evidence to suggest that physical activity is an integral piece to the chronic non-specific pain puzzle. For this reason, it is incumbent upon clinicians to strongly recommend participation in regular, yet properly progressed, physical activity to chronic non-specific pain sufferers.</p> </sec> </abstract>