Résumé
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a global disability with strong psychosocial contributors, despite this fact, rehabilitation often neglects the psychological dimensions of pain and, physiotherapy still focuses mainly on biomechanics. This observational study explores the relationship between mental skills (mental imagery, self-compassion, pain self-efficacy), pain experience and functional abilities. Higher self-compassion, more adaptive imagery use, and stronger pain self-efficacy were expected to be associated with lower pain and better functioning.
176 adults (25–55 y; ≥12 weeks CNSLBP for an intensity of at least 30) will complete online questionnaires: Visual Analogue Scale (pain), Self-Compassion Scale, adapted Athletic Injury Imagery, Pain Self-Efficacy, and Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire.
Pilot data with 12 participants (aged 27–49; M = 33 years; 58% female; BMI < 30) completed the questionnaires. Pain intensity averaged 62.08/100, with a higher value indicating more pain.
In these pilot data, pain self-efficacy correlated negatively with disability, r(10) = –.74, p = .006; healing imagery correlated with pain-management imagery, r(10) = .70, p = .011; and pain-management imagery correlated with overall mental skills, r(10) = .64, p = .025. Subscales of self-compassion positively correlated with each other and with mental imagery dimensions, suggesting a cohesive psychological profile. However, pain management imagery use was lower compared to motivational and healing imagery. Identifying modifiable psychological predictors could encourage clinicians to integrate compassion-focused interventions, guided imagery, and efficacy training into routine care, bridging the current mind–body gap and enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for people living with CNSLBP.
