Date of Award

8-2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Jane Stafford

Second Advisor

Maureen Carrigan

Third Advisor

Ed Callen

Abstract

The present study employed self-report measures to assess pain intensity, self-report perception of disability, and patient activation, and objective functional measures to explore the outcomes of a military interdisciplinary chronic pain intensive outpatient program. Seventy-three Active Duty Service Members (SM) with chronic pain completed baseline measures (pre-IOP) and graduation day measures, 60 SMs completed one-month follow-up measures, and 28 completed three-month follow-up measures. Results indicated that self-report pain levels decreased from pre-IOP to graduation day. The decrease was maintained; however, no additional significant decrease in pain occurred following program completion. Further, participant’s self-reported perception of disability due to back pain decreased from pre-IOP to graduation day. The decrease was maintained; however, no additional significant decrease in self-report perception of disability occurred following program completion. Results also indicated a significant improvement in all functional measures from pre-IOP to graduation day: maximum plank time, sit-to-stand repetitions, push-ups performed, weighted barbell deadlift, and total number of interval aerobic run. This data was not collected at the one and three month follow-up. Additionally, the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) was utilized to measure a patient’s agency in their overall health. Results showed PAM scores increased throughout the program and at follow-up; however, the only significant difference occurred between pre-IOP and the one-month follow-up. The hypothesis that PAM scores would moderate the relationship between pre-IOP and graduation functional ability was not supported. These results support the use of interdisciplinary outpatient programs in the treatment of chronic pain in military populations.

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