The Assessment of Pain Beliefs and Their Role in Predicting Recovery From Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for a range of conditions characterised by pain and discomfort in the soft tissues and muscle weakness. Cognitive–behavioural theory suggests that the beliefs of people in pain can influence their functioning, and beliefs scales are viewed as an important tool to assess these beliefs. Research findings support a relationship between pain beliefs and levels of pain and functioning; however, there has been little research into how belief scores are related to recovery. This study examines the relationship between scores on beliefs scales and recovery. Sixty-four people with RSI completed questionnaires to determine their pain beliefs and how their levels of pain and functioning had changed over the previous six months. Correlations provided little support for a relationship between the belief scores and recovery. This study highlights the limitations of the beliefs scales currently used in pain research and recommends the use of qualitative and longitudinal research.