Pain catastrophizing and pain anxiety mediate changes in physical function in a mind-body intervention for adults with traumatic orthopedic injuries.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
OE Journal. 2025;13(15):45 Pain . 2025 Jun 1;166(6):1418-1424.What this means for my practice?
The key takeaway is that a brief mind–body intervention like TOR can significantly improve physical function in orthopedic trauma patients by targeting and reducing pain catastrophizing and anxiety. This supports integrating early psychosocial interventions into standard care to prevent chronic disability. However, the study’s generalizability is limited by the sample’s demographic homogeneity and further research is needed to explore additional mechanisms of action.
Study Summary
One hundred ninety-five adults with recent traumatic orthopedic injuries were randomized to receive either the Toolkit for Optimal Recovery (TOR) intervention (n=97) or Minimally Enhanced Usual Care (MEUC) (n=98). The primary outcome was self-reported physical function using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Secondary outcomes included pain catastrophizing, pain anxiety, and pain levels. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, postintervention (4 weeks), and at 3-month follow-up. Overall, the results of the study revealed that TOR significantly improved physical function and that these improvements were mediated by reductions in pain catastrophizing and pain anxiety. These findings suggest that targeting psychological risk factors early in recovery may prevent chronic disability in orthopedic trauma patients.
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