Article

Anxiety following traumatic upper limb injury is common and may affect
rehabilitation outcomes. Most previous research has focused on psychiatric
anxiety disorders among those with severe injuries.
The aims of this study were
to determine the prevalence of anxiety among patients with mild to moderate
traumatic upper limb injuries, to investigate the correlation between anxiety and
disability, and to provide preliminary validation of the Recovery-Related Anxiety
Questionnaire (RRAQ). METHOD: Eighty-four adults with a recent traumatic upper
limb injury completed the State & Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Pain
Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS-20), the RRAQ and the shortened Disability of the
Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH). Prevalence rates of anxiety
were calculated and linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of QuickDASH scores. RESULTS: All participants reported some anxiety, with higher
levels of recovery-related anxiety than general anxiety. In linear regression
analysis, the four types of anxiety accounted for 29% of the variability in
QuickDASH scores. The RRAQ accounted for 19% of the variability in QuickDASH
scores. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery-related forms of anxiety appear to be more common
and more strongly associated with disability than general anxiety symptoms for
patients with mild to moderate traumatic upper limb injuries. IMPLICATIONS FOR
REHABILITATION: Following mild to moderate traumatic upper limb injury, anxiety
about the injury and recovery is common. Recovery-related anxiety is more
strongly associated with disability than general anxiety symptoms. Phrasing
questions about anxiety directly associated with the recovery experience may give
greater insight into the anxiety patients with mild to moderate upper limb
injuries are experiencing.
This insight may help clinicians to directly address
recovery-related issues, potentially decreasing disability experienced by patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS