The role of attention re-training in pain tolerance

INTERVENTION: In the active attention retraining task, the participants’ attention will be directed towards neutral stimuli and away from pain stimuli (affective, disability, threat and sensory pain words). The task will be administered via a computer program, and participants are required to press one of two keys in order to measure their reaction time towards the pain stimuli and neutral stimuli. The attention retraining task takes approximately 25‐30 minutes to complete, which includes time for breaks of one minute intervals between trials. The attention retraining task will be administered to each participant on one occasion only, before their session with their physiotherapist. CONDITION: Acute low back pain PRIMARY OUTCOME: Development of chronic pain and related disability and distress. This outcome will be assessed by using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), the Tampa Kinesiophobia Questionnaire (Tampa; Vlaeyen et al., 1995), the catastrophizing sub‐scale of the Pain Responses Self‐Statement Scale (PRSS‐Cat; Flor et al., 1993), as well as the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ; Roland & Morris, 1983). They will also be asked to rate their highest pain level and their average pain level during the past three or six month period on a visual analogue scale. Finally, a telephone interview will also be conducted at each of these time points in order to determine the nature of the participant's pain, whether they are taking any pain medications or have seen a health care provider for their pain, and their current work status. The results obtained at three, six and 12 months will be compared to initial measures, and in particular the outcome measure sof participants who received the active attention re‐training will be compared to those who received the placebo attention retraining, in order to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. That is, does exposure to the active attention retraining task prevent the develop of chronic low back pain? SECONDARY OUTCOME: Attentional bias using the dot probe computer task INCLUSION CRITERIA: Acute low back pain (less than three months duration) First contact with physiotherapist for treatment of this acute low back pain episode Fluent in English