Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42723334›Full record

ArticlePain research & management2026

Differential Predictive Capabilities of Cognitive Performance on Psychological Pain Variables in Chronic Low Back Pain.

Cory Alcon, Cassidy Krieger, Christina Piluso

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Pain research & management, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Cory AlconDepartment of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina, USA, highpoint.edu.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7654-4301
Cassidy KriegerDepartment of Neuroscience, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina, USA, highpoint.edu.
Christina PilusoDepartment of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina, USA, highpoint.edu.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP) is frequently accompanied by both maladaptive pain-related behaviors and alterations in cognitive processing. Although these domains are often studied independently, their interdependence, particularly whether cognitive performance may contribute to variability in pain-related psychological constructs, remains insufficiently characterized.

methodsIn this cross-sectional investigation, 60 adults with CLBP completed validated questionnaires assessing pain catastrophizing (PCS), fear of movement (TSK), and symptoms associated with central sensitization (CSI). Cognitive function was evaluated across multiple domains, including attentional interference (Stroop Color Word Test), cognitive flexibility (CTMT2), and processing speed (Coding). Correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were performed to examine relationships and predictive effects while accounting for demographic and clinical factors.

resultsPCS demonstrated consistent associations with reduced performance across all cognitive domains. Fear of movement was selectively related to attentional interference and processing speed, whereas central sensitization showed limited direct correlations. In regression models, cognitive flexibility (set-shifting) and processing speed significantly contributed to the prediction of catastrophizing, while only set-shifting independently predicted central sensitization. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that specific aspects of executive function-particularly cognitive flexibility-may play a meaningful role in shaping maladaptive pain-related cognitions. Incorporating cognitive assessment into clinical evaluation may provide additional insight into individual differences in pain presentation and treatment responsiveness.

Indexed as

CatastrophizationChronic PainCognitionCognition DisordersLow Back PainAdultAttentionCognitive FlexibilityCross-Sectional StudiesFearFemaleHumansKinesiophobiaMaleMiddle AgedNeuropsychological Testschronic paincognitive functionkinesiophobiapain catastrophizingpain management

Identifiers

PMID42723334
PMCPMC13562919

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.