Determination of physical parameters associated with self-efficacy in patients with chronic mechanic low back pain

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Self-efficacy that is associated with various pain-related disabilities such as chronic low back pain (LBP), should be questioned besides physical assessments.

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the physical factors associated with self-efficacy in patients with chronic mechanic LBP.

METHODS:

One hundred nine patients diagnosed as chronic mechanic LBP (65 females, 44 males) between 20–50 years old were included to this study. The intensity of LBP was assessed by using a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale. For musculoskeletal fitness measurement; muscle strength, muscle endurance, and flexibility tests were applied. Functional Reach Test for balance evaluation, Self-Efficacy Scale for self-efficacy measurement, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for disability level evaluation were used.

RESULTS:

We found a moderate negative correlation between self-efficacy and pain intensity ( $r=-$ 0.506); a negative and strong correlation between self-efficacy and disability level ( $r=-$ 0.654) ( $p<$ 0.05). Self efficacy had a significant association with right ( $r=$ 0.265) and left ( $r=$ 0.290) lateral side bending flexibility ( $p<$ 0.05). According to multiple regression analysis results, it was found that disability level had a significant effect on self-efficacy ( $\beta =-$ 2.014; $p<$ 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Poor musculoskeletal fitness and pain intensity may cause decreasing self-efficacy but the major determinant of decreased self-efficacy was low-back related disability scores.