The association between the physical activity of patients with idiopathic chronic neck pain and their psychological state

OBJECTIVE Investigation of the association between physical activity in patients with idiopathic chronic neck pain and their psychological state. METHOD Data were collected from 45 patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain. Three instruments were used: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess their level of anxiety and depression, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Their physical activity level was recorded using the Baecke Questionnaire for Habitual Physical Activity. RESULTS Depression showed significant negative correlation with physical activity (r=-0.39, p<0.01) and sport-related physical activity (r=-0.34, p<0.05). All other relationships were non-significant (p>0.05). Physical activity was predicted by a model, including both depression and kinesiophobia as significant predictors (R=0.5, R2=0.25, adjusted R2=0.17, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Kinesiophobia and depres- sion appear to be associated with physical activity in patients with chronic neck pain. Limitation in physical activity may further exacerbate the physical and psychological state of these patients. Recognition of the psychological determinants of physical activity can indicate potential therapeutic markers for the management of physical activity limitation in this population.