In the literature, illness perceptions have been reported to be important psychological factors associated with pain intensity and physical function in individuals with musculoskeletal pain.
The objective of this study was to assess the relationship of illness perceptions with pain intensity and physical function in individuals with noncancer musculoskeletal pain. In this systematic review, relevant literature databases, including PubMed, Embase,
PsycINFO, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, were searched from inception through December 12, 2017. Two authors (E.D.R. and H.W.) independently performed the search procedures, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews guidelines, and the risk-of-bias assessment, using the QUality In
Prognosis Studies tool. A qualitative best-evidence synthesis was performed. A total of 26 articles were included in the review. There were 11 cross-sectional studies concerning associations of illness perceptions with pain intensity and 11 cross-sectional studies of associations of illness perceptions with physical function. For the prognosis of pain intensity by illness perceptions, the authors found 4 longitudinal studies, and for the prognosis of physical function by illness perceptions, the authors found 12 longitudinal studies.
All studies except 1 had high risk of bias. Across 15 cross-sectional studies on 9 different musculoskeletal conditions, the researchers found limited to moderate evidence for a consistent direction of the relationship of illness perceptions with pain intensity
and physical function. Higher maladaptive illness perceptions imply stronger pain intensity and more limitation in physical function. Evidence in longitudinal studies is lacking, especially on pain.