The Fear Avoidance Model Disentangled: Improving the Clinical Utility of the Fear Avoidance Model

BACKGROUNDThe model of fear avoidance proposes that fear of movement in back pain patients is an obstacle to recovery and leads over time to increased disability. Therefore, fear of movement should be targeted explicitly by interventions. AIMSTo review the evidence (1) for the causal components prop...

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Veröffentlicht in:The Clinical journal of pain 2010-11, Vol.26 (9), p.739-746
Hauptverfasser: Pincus, Tamar, Smeets, Rob J.E.M, Simmonds, Maureen J, Sullivan, Michael J.L
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:BACKGROUNDThe model of fear avoidance proposes that fear of movement in back pain patients is an obstacle to recovery and leads over time to increased disability. Therefore, fear of movement should be targeted explicitly by interventions. AIMSTo review the evidence (1) for the causal components proposed by the model, and (2) about interventions that attempt to reduce fear of movement. In addition, we aim to propose alternatives and extensions to the current model in order to increase the clinical utility of the model. METHODSA collaborative narrative review. RESULTSThe fear avoidance model needs to be conceptually expanded and further tested to provide adequate and appropriate clinical utility. Currently, although there is experimental support for the model, observational studies in patients show contradictory results. Interventions based on the model have not delivered convincing results, only partly due to methodological shortcomings. Some assumptions inherent in the current model need adjusting, and other factors should be incorporated to indicate subgroupings within patients high in avoidance behavior. In addition, both theoretical and methodological limitations were identified in measurements of fear and avoidance. CONCLUSIONSFuture research should elucidate whether the proposed subgrouping of patients with avoidance behavior is helpful. Further research should focus on developing more accurate and psychometrically sound assessment tools as well as targeted interventions to improve activities and participation of patients with chronic disabling musculoskeletal pain disorders.
ISSN:0749-8047
1536-5409
DOI:10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181f15d45