physioscience 2025; 21(S 03): S5
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812356
Abstracts
Präsentationen/Presentations
PS 2

From Acute Onset to Persistence: Trajectories and Biopsychosocial Factors in LBP

Authors

  • F Pfeiffer

    1   ZHAW – Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Winterthur, Switzerland

  • H Luomajoki

    2   ZHAW – Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Departement Gesundheit, Institut für Physiotherapie, Winterthur, Switzerland

  • A Meichtry

    3   Berner Fachhochschule (BFH), Gesundheit, Bern, Switzerland

  • S Hotz Boendermaker

    2   ZHAW – Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Departement Gesundheit, Institut für Physiotherapie, Winterthur, Switzerland
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Background Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, often persisting and impacting individuals’ lives despite its classification as an acute condition. This research project aimed to investigate the course of acute LBP, focusing on pain trajectories, time-varying biopsychosocial factors, and potential markers such as tactile acuity and activity-related behaviours. The objective was to provide a comprehensive understanding of acute LBP beyond traditional, time-based classifications.

Methods This community-based inception cohort study included participants with acute LBP (less than four weeks in duration), followed over one year with assessments at five intervals. Pain trajectories were identified using latent class linear mixed modelling (LCMM), while linear mixed-effects models and lagged analyses explored associations with biopsychosocial factors. Additional analyses examined persistence versus avoidance behaviours and the role of tactile acuity on LBP outcomes.

Results Four distinct pain trajectories were identified, revealing that acute LBP frequently follows fluctuating or persistent courses rather than resolving spontaneously. Higher baseline pain intensity and previous LBP episodes were associated with unfavourable trajectories, while psychological variables showed limited, inconsistent associations. Persistence behaviours, particularly under high state anxiety, correlated with worsened pain intensity, emphasizing the need to assess activity-related behaviours early. Tactile acuity showed no predictive value for long-term pain or disability outcomes.

Conclusions The findings challenge conventional acute versus chronic LBP classifications, advocating for a dynamic, trajectory-based approach that incorporates both time-varying biopsychosocial factors and specific behaviours. These insights support more personalized LBP management strategies, recognizing the complex, evolving nature of the condition and paving the way for future research on targeted interventions.



Publication History

Article published online:
23 October 2025

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