Unravelling the puzzle of back pain chronicity: An integrative perspective on disturbed sensorimotor control and maladaptive cognitive processes

According to a large European survey back problems are the most common cause of chronic pain [1 ]. After an

acute episode of low back pain (LBP), 60-80% of patients experience recurrence or persistence of this condition

[2]. Recurrent and chronic LBP form a major health care problem, strongly interfering with functional behavior

(disability) and quality of life, and causing important socioeconomic costs [3]. Identifying which factors play a role in

LBP chronicity is a major challenge in order to prevent its detrimental consequences and to improve treatment

efficacy. Mechanisms possibly contributing to pain-related disability have been proposed from different disciplines.

In this project, we specifically focus upon factors identified in movement science (i.e., disturbed sensorimotor

control) and psychological science (i .e., maladaptive cognitive processes), and especially on their interaction