A psychosocial risk factor--targeted intervention for the prevention of chronic pain and disability following whiplash injury.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of a psychosocial intervention improved return-to-work rates beyond those associated with participation in a functional restoration physical therapy intervention. Subjects who had sustained whiplash injuries participated in the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP), which is a 10-week psychosocial intervention program that aims to increase activity involvement and minimize psychological barriers to rehabilitation progress.


METHODS
A sample of 60 subjects enrolled in a functional restoration physical therapy intervention were used as a historical cohort comparison group. Subjects who received the functional restoration physical therapy intervention were compared with a sample of 70 subjects who received PGAP in addition to physical therapy.


RESULTS
Participation in PGAP plus physical therapy resulted in a higher return-to-work rate (75%) than participation in physical therapy alone (50%). Differences between treatment conditions were most pronounced for the subgroup of subjects who had the largest number of psychosocial risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that a psychosocial risk reduction intervention can be an effective means of improving function and facilitating return to work in people who are at risk for prolonged pain-related disability.
Sullivan
Michael J L
MJ
Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, CP 6128 Succ. Centre Ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 3J7. michael.jl.sullivan@umontreal.ca
Adams
Heather
H
Rhodenizer
Trina
T
Stanish
William D
WD
D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*