Do Maladaptive Imaging Beliefs Predict Self-Reported Pain Interference and Physical Function in Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine if maladaptive imaging beliefs correlated with, and predicted pain interference and physical function outcomes in people with musculoskeletal pain disorders. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study of patients with musculoskeletal disorders receiving outpatient physical therapy from April 2022 to August 2023. METHODS: Four questions about imaging were asked to assess maladaptive beliefs, the need to rule out serious conditions, guide treatment, determine diagnosis, and validate symptoms. Correlations with beliefs and outcomes were assessed using Kendall’s tau rank and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients. Generalized linear models determined if these beliefs predicted outcomes at baseline and 6 weeks. RESULTS: The cohort included 152 participants (mean [standard deviation] age: 56.13 [15.13]; 32.2% male). Maladaptive imaging beliefs correlated positively with pain interference and negatively with physical function. The need to rule out serious conditions and validate symptoms correlated with pain interference (range: τb = 0.17, 0.20; P = .003, .0121) and physical function (range: ρ = −0.22, −0.22; P = .006, .008). All but 1 belief correlated with pain interference (range: τb = 0.19, 0.24; P<.001, .004) and physical function (range: ρ = −0.26, −0.21; P = .001, .009) at 6 weeks. Each additional belief slightly increased pain interference at 6 weeks ( β = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.03; P = .04) and lowered physical function at both baseline ( β = −0.97; 95% CI: −1.66, −0.28; P = .01) and 6 weeks ( β = −0.76; 95% CI: −1.37, −0.15; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Maladaptive imaging beliefs were significantly (albeit weakly) correlated with pain and physical function. Each additional maladaptive imaging belief increased pain interference at 6 weeks and lowered physical function at baseline and 6 weeks. Beliefs about the necessity of imaging to properly manage musculoskeletal disorders may influence outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(9):608-617. Epub 5 July 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12625