A psychosocial risk factor--targeted intervention for the prevention of chronic pain and disability following whiplash injury

Phys Ther. 2006 Jan;86(1):8-18. doi: 10.1093/ptj/86.1.8.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of a psychosocial intervention improved return-to-work rates beyond those associated with participation in a functional restoration physical therapy intervention. Subjects who had sustained whiplash injuries participated in the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP), which is a 10-week psychosocial intervention program that aims to increase activity involvement and minimize psychological barriers to rehabilitation progress.

Subjects and methods: A sample of 60 subjects enrolled in a functional restoration physical therapy intervention were used as a historical cohort comparison group. Subjects who received the functional restoration physical therapy intervention were compared with a sample of 70 subjects who received PGAP in addition to physical therapy.

Results: Participation in PGAP plus physical therapy resulted in a higher return-to-work rate (75%) than participation in physical therapy alone (50%). Differences between treatment conditions were most pronounced for the subgroup of subjects who had the largest number of psychosocial risk factors.

Discussion and conclusion: The findings suggest that a psychosocial risk reduction intervention can be an effective means of improving function and facilitating return to work in people who are at risk for prolonged pain-related disability.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Employment
  • Female
  • Goals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Pain / psychology
  • Pain / rehabilitation*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support*
  • Time Factors
  • Whiplash Injuries / psychology
  • Whiplash Injuries / rehabilitation*