Physical function among older adults with knee pain: The role of pain coping skills

Objective. To evaluate the association between pain coping skills and disab ility among older adults with knee pain. Methods. Baseline measures from 394 older adults with knee pain and disabil ity knee participated in a 30-month observational study were analyzed. Pain coping skills were correlated with self-reported disability and walking di stance after controlling for covariates of disability. Results. Pain coping skills were significantly associated with disability ( P < 0.05) and distance walked (P < 0.05). Less catastrophic thinking and pr ayer, greater ignoring and reinterpretation of pain sensations, and stronge r perceptions of pain control were associated with less disability and bett er physical function. Conclusion. Pain coping skills used by older adults with osteoarthritis and knee pain may play a significant role in determining disability.