Cognitive behavioural components in physiotherapy management of chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD)--a randomised group study

Abstract

Different types of integrated management programmes have lately been introduced in the treatment of Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD). In this study regular primary care physiotherapy and physiotherapy management with integrated components of cognitive-behavioural origin was compared in an experimental group study. The predictive value of self-efficacy was also addressed. In all thirty-three patients with chronic WAD were included in the trial. Results revealed no significant differences between groups in self-ratings of disability or pain intensity. However, among the self-reported benefits of treatment, patients in the experimental group reported significantly less pain than did the comparison group. At three months follow-up the experimental group also reported better performance of daily activities. Between group differences in the coping repertoire were found at pre-, post-and three-month follow-up. Generally, patients with high self-efficacy reported less use of 'maladaptive' and passive coping style than less self-efficient subjects at all times. In conclusion cognitive behavioural components can be useful in physiotherapy treatment for patients with chronic WAD, but their contributions are not yet fully understood. Self-efficacy is related to patients' use of different coping styles. Positive long-term outcomes in WAD-patients could therefore be improved by boosting self-efficacy and by teaching patients to use active, adaptive coping strategies.