The Association of Psychological Variants with Back Pain, Muscle Endurance, and Functional Limitations in an Individual with Chronic Back Pain

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) substantially impacts quality of life through a multifarious interplay of physical and psychological elements. A comprehensive understanding of this relationship is imperative for developing effective treatment strategies. This study recruited 64 participants (35 males and 29 females) experiencing chronic low back pain to explore the associations between psychological factors, muscle endurance, and functional impairments. The study was conducted over six months in an outpatient department and a rehabilitation unit. The study utilized established outcome measures, such as the Biering-Sorensen Test and the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and psychological variants as the core dependent variables, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), STAI questionnaire, the FABQ-PA, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The findings uncovered pronounced gender disparities, with females exhibiting elevated levels of depression (BDI: 27.68 ± 9.43, p < 0.001) and anxiety (STAI: 42.34 ± 8.94, p < 0.001) and diminished muscle endurance (130.47 ± 30.56 sec, p = 0.001). These revelations are congruent with the prevailing literature, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive and personalized interventions. Bivariate correlations presented robust associations between psychological distress and decreased muscle endurance (r values ranging from −0.82 to −0.88, p < 0.001) alongside elevated functional impairments (r values from 0.89 to 0.94, p < 0.001) for both genders. Additionally, linear regression analyses illuminated the consequential impact of specific psychological variables such as the BDI, FABQ-PA, and PCS on muscle endurance and functional impairments (all p < 0.001). This study reveals gender-specific variations in chronic back pain, highlighting the influence of psychological factors on pain perception. It underscores the necessity for gender-sensitive treatment strategies. Future research is needed to explore these differences further and assess treatment efficacy to improve care and quality of life for chronic low back pain sufferers through personalized treatment plans.