Article

PURPOSE: To review the prognostic factors of musculoskeletal disorders while
adopting a multidimensional perspective and including studies on various
pertinent outcomes to the adjustment process. We also aimed to highlight the
overall and phase-specific evidence. METHODS: We searched the Psychinfo and Ovid
Medline(R) databases as well as pertinent periodicals and reviews and retained
prospective studies of subjects suffering from specific or non-specific
musculoskeletal pain that adopted multivariate statistical analysis. RESULTS: We
selected 105 studies, of which 68 included biopsychosocial and sociodemographic
variables. For those studies using a biopsychosocial framework, we determined the
level of evidence for every prognostic factor with each outcome. Strong evidence
was found for recovery expectations and disability management with work
participation outcomes. With disability outcomes, strong evidence was also found
for recovery expectations, coping and somatization. Comorbidity and duration of
episode strongly predicted pain outcomes. Some differences coinciding with phases
of chronicity were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncertainty remains
about the role of many prognostic factors, we found strong evidence to support
the predictive value of clinically significant variables.
There is, however, a
need for additional research and replication, adopting more homogenous models and
measurement methods.

Langue : ANGLAIS