Body image assessment in population with chronic low back pain and evolution after a functional restoration program.

OBJECTIVE/INTRODUCTION: The body image refers to the conscious representation of our own body. It can be modulated by various sensory manipulations and can also be disturbed in people with chronic pain [1,2].

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the body image of people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and its evolution after a functional restoration program (FRP).

MATERIAL/PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective and single-center study, carried out on a population of people with CLBP receiving a FRP lasting four weeks. The body image of participants was assessed with different measures: tactile acuity, tactile localization, graphical representation of the back, Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ). Secondary outcomes were collected: pain (VAS), fear-avoidance beliefs (FABQ), kinesiophobia (TAMPA). Participants were assessed three times, four weeks before the beginning of the FRP, at the start of the functional restoration program, at the end of the FRP (control phase and test phase).

RESULTS: Eleven patients were included. Before the FRP, evaluations have shown that lumbar tactile acuity of participants were deficient in their painful lumbar area compared to their non-painful thoracic area. The lumbar area was frequently abnormally represented on the graph (broadened, narrowed or deflected to one direction). After the functional restoration program, lumbar tactile acuity tended to improve. Profiles of graphical representation evolved variably.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Results reflect the alteration of the body image of CLBP patients. This body image tends to evolve subsequently the FRP, although it remains disrupted. These data represent new research opportunities for the continuation of this experiment on an increasing number of subjects.