Article

The aim of this study was to investigate whether an Internet-based
cognitive behavioural intervention would have an effect on the symptoms of
chronic back pain. DESIGN: Experimental design with a treatment group and a
control group measured before and after a treatment period. SUBJECTS:
Participants who met the criteria for chronic back pain (n = 54). METHODS: All participants were screened in a live, structured interview before inclusion. The
study period was 12 weeks and the treatment consisted of education, cognitive
skills acquisition, behavioural rehearsal, generalization and maintenance. The
main outcome of interest was the catastrophizing subscale of the Coping
Strategies Questionnaire. RESULTS: There were statistically significant
reductions from pre- to post-treatment in catastrophizing in the treatment group,
and an improvement in quality
of life for the treatment group. However, most
outcome measures did not indicate a positive treatment outcome. On a scale
measuring pain catastrophizing, 58% (15/26) of the treated participants showed
reliable improvement, compared with 18% (5/28) of the control group. CONCLUSION:
Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy can serve as a complement for
individuals with chronic pain who prefer this treatment and have difficulties
accessing specialist treatment facilities.

Langue : ANGLAIS