Affiliations: Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of
Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Clyde B. Killian, PT, PhD,
University of Indianapolis, Krannert School of Physical Therapy, 302 East
Southern Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA. Tel.: +1 317 784 2113; Fax: +1 317
788 3542; E-mail: hahankin@voyager.net
Abstract: This prospective study determined the extent to which demographic
factors, pain levels, psychological factors, and readiness to change predicted
functional outcomes in patients with chronic pain. Method: Participants were 26 patients referred for evaluation to a
multidisciplinary pain management program. The Pain Disability Index (PDI),
Pain Patient Profile® (P-3), and Pain
Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) measured function, psychological factors
and readiness to change respectively. Patients completed the battery of tests
upon initial evaluation and 3 months into treatment. Results: A regression analysis using only initial assessment
measures as predictors of functional outcome indicated a 2-variable prediction
model (work status and contemplation) that accounted for 49% of the variance in
3-month functional outcome. Regression analysis using data at initial and
follow-up assessment found that work status, contemplation, and best and worst
pain at follow-up predicted 84.4% of the variance in 3-month functional
outcome. Conclusion: These findings provide good models for prediction of
3-month functional outcome based on demographic, psychological, and readiness
to change indicators.
Keywords: pain management, readiness to change, functional outcome
