SELF-EFFICACY AND PAIN IN DISABILITY WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and pain during the performance of stair climbing and lifting/carrying ta sks on speed of movement, ratings of task difficulty, and perceived ta sk ability in a group of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee . Seventy-nine patients with knee OA completed the tasks in a controll ed laboratory setting. Before completing each task, patients' self-eff icacy was assessed;following task performance they rated (a) the most intense knee pain experienced, (b) the difficulty of tire task, and (c ) their perceived ability as they performed each task. Results demonst rated that, even after controlling for physical function, self-efficac y, and knee pain during performance, each contributed significantly to understanding either speed of movement or self-reported ratings of ta sk difficulty and perceived ability.