[Chronic low back pain : Replication of different reaction groups].

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to replicate the different reaction groups: "Fröhlicher Durchhalter (FD)" who are characterised by a positive mood and endurance strategies, "Depressiver Durchhalter (DD)" with depressive mood and cognitions to hold on and "Depressiver Vermeider (DV)" who are depressed with social and physical avoidance strategies. The replication was conducted with more feasible methods than the Kiel Pain Inventory (KPI), which had been frequently used in former research. This might effectuate a superior intervention outcome.

PATIENTS/METHODS: The sample (n=290) consisted of patients after their first nucleotomy at the beginning of the inpatient medical rehabilitation. Selection of the scales was based on cognitive-emotional and behavioural pain characteristics. Therefore 14 scales of generic standardised questionnaires were investigated

RESULTS

The cluster analysis revealed two heterogeneous groups: the FD (n=203, 75.7%) and DV (n=65, 24.3%). MANOVA showed significant differences between both groups (Wilks' lambda: F (14,253)=30.97; p<.001); especially the emotional pain characteristics were relevant.

CONCLUSION

The study contributes to the methodological stability of two postulated groups. Thus further research should foster the development of risk-based interventions to evaluate if these groups offer an appropriate differentiation in rehabilitation.