Pain Catastrophizing, Fear of Movement, and Physical Activity in Postmenopausal Women With Chronic Low Back Pain

This observational study aims to examine the relationships between pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and physical activity in postmenopausal women with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Pain catastrophizing refers to negative thoughts and feelings about pain, while fear of movement refers to concerns that movement may cause pain or injury. The study will include 150 naturally postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years who have experienced nonspecific low back pain for at least three months. Participants will attend a single face-to-face assessment conducted by a trained physiotherapist. Questionnaires will assess physical activity, pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, low back pain intensity, disability symptoms. Functional mobility and lower-limb functional performance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and the 30-second chair stand test. The primary objective is to examine the joint association of pain catastrophizing and fear of movement with physical activity, accounting for relevant clinical and psychological factors. Secondary objectives concern disability and physical performance. No treatment will be assigned as part of the study.