European journal of pain : EJP
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In the presence of pain, whether clinical or experimentally induced, individuals commonly show impairments in the control of muscle force (commonly known as force steadiness). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we synthesized the available evidence on the influence of clinical and experimental pain on force steadiness. ⋯ This systematic review and meta-analyses enhances our understanding of motor impairments observed in people experiencing musculoskeletal pain. It underscores the significance of incorporating force steadiness assessment when managing individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, it suggests that future research should explore the potential benefits of force steadiness training in alleviating patients' symptoms and enhancing their functional performance. This could potentially lead to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for individuals suffering from musculoskeletal pain.
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Prior exposure to others' facial expressions of pain can lead to a facilitation of pain responses, including its corresponding response channel, namely facial responses to pain. It has been questioned, however, whether this vicarious pain facilitation occurs only when observing others' pain or whether the observation of other negative expressions can trigger similar facilitation of facial responses to pain. The study aimed to test this, by comparing the impact of viewing others' facial expressions of pain versus another negative expression (sadness) and two control expressions (neutral, happiness) on facial responses to pain. ⋯ Facial responses to pain - along with subjective and autonomic responses - are reduced when observing others' expressions of happiness, demonstrating pain modulation by positive affective social signals, which may also transfer to clinical contexts.
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The central sensitization inventory (CSI) is a questionnaire that has been widely used as a tool for assessing symptoms associated with sensitization. However, its ability to identify individuals with this phenomenon has recently been questioned. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of CSI with psychosocial and psychophysical factors in patients with painful TMD diagnosed according to diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) and asymptomatic controls, as well as to determine the influence of these variables on the CSI scores variations. ⋯ The research highlights a noteworthy relationship between the central sensitization inventory and psychological factors, emphasizing their substantial influence on inventory values. This correlation offers crucial insights into mental health markers within the questionnaire. Additionally, the lack of connection with pain amplification implies a necessary re-evaluation of the inventory's diagnostic suitability, especially in cases of painful temporomandibular disorders. Thus, caution is urged in its application for identifying CS in these individuals.
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Only few previous cohort studies examined simultaneously predictors of chronic pain (CP) onset and recovery. Furthermore, these studies used various sociodemographic and pain-related characteristics, without standardized measures of sleep and depression. The present study aimed at expanding and strengthening these findings in a large Swiss population. ⋯ Multivariable models in a Swiss cohort (N = 4602) associate male sex, not taking pain medication, normal weight, lower depression scores and younger age with recovery from chronic pain, while females, obese or overweight, having worse sleep and former smokers are associated with onset of new chronic pain. These common and separate factors need to be considered in treatment and prevention efforts.
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Despite the use of Patient-Drawn Pain Drawings (PDPDs) in clinical settings, their validity as indicators of psychological distress remains debated. We aimed to assess the association between PDPD areas and physical health and psychological variables. ⋯ This large-scale study demonstrates that extensive pain areas in pain drawings drawn by LBP patients do not signify psychological distress. Our findings reveal that these pain representations are more closely linked to increased pain intensity, pain duration, and disability rather than being independently associated with psychological factors. Clinicians are encouraged to focus on the association of extensive pain areas with physical symptoms rather than psychological distress during clinical assessments.