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The following is a summary of “Increased behavioural inhibition and decreased behavioural activation in whiplash-associated disorders: Associations with health outcomes,” published in the September 2024 issue of Pain by Smith et al.

The BIS (Behavioural Inhibition System) /BAS (Behavioural Activation System) scale assesses motivation, with BAS regulating approach behaviors and BIS regulating avoidance behaviors. Chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) are heterogeneous pain conditions with known alterations in motivated behavior.

Researchers conducted a study to analyze the relationship between BIS/BAS, pain, disability, QoL, and psychological measures in chronic WAD and to determine if BIS and BAS mediate the relationships between pain, disability, psychological symptoms, and QoL.

They examined 254 patients with chronic WAD, and outcomes were measured using self-report questionnaires. BIS/BAS scores were compared to published normative data. Differences in health outcomes for participants within/outside normative 95% CIs were compared, and correlations with health measures were tested. Mediation models explored bi-directional associations between stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress severity, pain catastrophizing, and QoL with pain and disability.

The results showed that participants exceeding the normative 95% CIs for the BIS exhibited higher scores in pain interference, disability, and all mental health assessments. Additionally, no mediating role of BIS or BAS was established in the relationship between pain, disability, QoL, and health outcomes.

Investigators concluded that a significant portion of the sample surpassed the 95% CI for BIS and BAS scores related to health outcomes. However, altered motivation to pursue goal-oriented outcomes seemed to play a minor role in chronic WAD.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejp.4721