Physical, Psychophysical and Psychological Predictors of Persistent or Recurrent Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Eur J PainSep 1, 2026
Kanya Wongwitwichote, Cho Wai Geoffrey Yu, Valter Devecchi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated predictors of persistent or recurrent non-specific low back pain (LBP) in a population of 15 studies. It found that psychological factors, specifically depression-distress and fear avoidance, significantly predicted persistent LBP and disability, with β=0.28 and β=0.24 respectively, though with low certainty of evidence.
Key findings
- Depression and distress predicted persistent LBP and disability with β=0.28 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.53, p=0.024).
- Fear avoidance significantly predicted persistent LBP and disability with β=0.24 (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.49, p=0.049).
- Physical predictors showed limited and inconclusive evidence regarding their ability to predict LBP outcomes.
- Enhanced temporal summation of pain was not a significant predictor of pain outcomes (β=0.10, 95% CI: -0.37 to 0.57).
Why it matters
Understanding the psychological predictors of persistent low back pain can help clinicians identify at-risk patients early. This may facilitate targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors, potentially improving patient outcomes.