Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to determine if pain catastrophizing and experiential
acceptance predicted depression, pain intensity, and maladaptive behaviour following
anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Design
Patients who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament surgery completed assessment
within 2 weeks of surgery (N = 44) and again 6 months post-surgery (N = 26).
Methods
Predictor measures were the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Acceptance and Action
Questionnaire. Outcome measures included the depression scale of the Depression Anxiety
and Stress Scale, numerical rating scale of pain intensity, and the alcohol and substance
misuse subscale of the Brief Coping Orientations to the Problem Experience inventory.
Demographic variables and athletic identity were also measured.
Results
Higher pain catastrophizing scores were associated with greater pain intensity and
depressive symptoms in the 2-week post-operative period. Lower acceptance scores in
the 2-week post-operative period were predictive of more severe depression scores
at 6 months, even after controlling for early post-operative depression and athletic
identity. Lower acceptance was also associated with greater use of alcohol and other
substances, reportedly to cope with the stress of being injured.
Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of acceptance in an athletic population undergoing
rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 12, 2014
Accepted:
April 2,
2014
Received in revised form:
March 20,
2014
Received:
September 10,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
