J Pain. 2022 Jan 9:S1526-5900(22)00002-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.12.011. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
We examined the influence of negative psychological factors (catastrophizing, distress and kinesiophobia) on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) intensity, cervical function (strength and range of motion) and on daily activities (ADL), and the suitability of an exercise protocol designed to induce DOMS within the cervical region. Psychological factors and cervical function were assessed in 86 healthy participants at baseline before applying a DOMS provocation protocol in the cervical flexor muscles. After 24h, cervical function was reassessed. In addition, at 24h and 48h, the intensity of DOMS and its impact on ADL were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). The protocol was effective given that it generated low-moderate intensity DOMS (VAS≈30-40mm) and a statistically significant reduction in cervical strength and range of motion. Psychological distress (anxiety and depression), but not kinesiophobia and catastrophism, predicted a loss of cervical strength (explained 43% of the variance) and range of motion (explained 22% of the variance) after induction of DOMS. In addition, participants’ anxiety level predicted DOMS intensity at 24h (explained 19% of the variance). Perspective The present findings highlight the relevance of evaluating psychological distress as a preventive/therapeutic measure, given that high levels of distress could lead to more intense and disabling pain in acute injuries, and all these aspects are considered risk factors for the chronification of symptoms.
PMID:35021115 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpain.2021.12.011
