Pain-related fear of movement and catastrophizing in whiplash-associated disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to test whether pain-related fear of movement and catastrophizing were predictors of pain intensity and disability 6 months after a whiplash injury. The mediator role of fear of movement was also explored. A sample of 147 whiplash patients with neck pain for less than 3 months participated in the first assessment, and 123 of them were interviewed again at a 6-month follow-up. Multiple regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Fear of movement, initial pain intensity and initial disability were independent predictors of disability at the 6-month follow-up. Initial pain intensity and initial pain duration were significant predictors of pain intensity at 6 months. Fear of movement was found not to be a mediator in either of the 2 outcomes at the 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that interventions designed to reduce the impact of injury severity and pain-related fear of movement after a motor vehicle accident may be relevant for preventing long-lasting symptoms.