AB1118 INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF THE HISTORY OF COVID-19 ON COGNITIVE LEVEL, PAIN CATASTROPHIZATION, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK AND NECK PAIN

Abstract

BackgroundLow back and neck pain is one of the most common health problems in society and one of the top reasons for admission to the hospital (1). Studies show that the level of physical activity decreases in individuals with chronic pain, and the cognitive level and quality of life are negatively affected (2). There are studies examining the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic process on the level of physical activity and cognitive level in various groups. However, the number of studies on how the history of Covid-19 affects individuals with low back and neck pain is limited.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to examine the effect of Covid-19 history on cognitive level, pain catastrophe and physical activity level in individuals with chronic low back and neck pain in individuals.MethodsA total of 25 individuals with chronic pain, including 16 with low back pain and 9 with neck pain, were included in the study. Demographic data such as age, gender and body mass index (BMI) were obtained from all individuals. The education levels of the individuals were recorded. Cognitive level was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)[3], pain severity was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pain catastrophization was assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)[4], and physical activity level was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ- SF)[5].Results:Table 1.WITH A HISTORY OF COVID-19WITHOUT A HISTORY OF COVID-19n(%)7(28%)18(72%)FEMALEMALEFEMALEMALEGender (%)57438713X±SDX±SDAge (year)33.14±14.5846.06±13.26BMI (kg/m2)22.38± 4.5228.98 ±18.85Education level Primary school n (%)0 (0%)3 (16.7%) Secondary school n (%)1 (14.3%)7 (38.9%) High school n (%)1(14.3%)6 (33.2%) Bachelor’s degree n (%)5 (71.4%)2 (11.2%)Education LevelpMedian (IQR)Median (IQR)0.01*4 (4-5)2 (2-3)Moca0.014*30 (27-30)25 (19.75-28.5)VAS0.3136 (4-8)5 (2-7)PSC0.67113 (5-32)13 (9.75-22.75)IPAQ-SF0.326924 (297-3684)981.5 (577.5-3312)Demographic data, VAS, MoCA, PCS, and IPAQ-SF scores are given in Table 1. 7 of the participants had history of Covid-19, 18 did not. The MoCA scores and education levels of individuals with Covid-19 were higher than individuals without history of Covid-19 (p˂0.05). There was no difference in physical activity, pain and pain catastrophization levels between the 2 groups (p> 0.05).ConclusionSurprisingly, individuals who had a history of Covid-19 had higher cognitive levels than individuals without a history of Covid-19. In addition, there was no difference between physical activity and pain catastrophization levels. This may be due to the higher education level of individuals with a history of Covid-19. There is a need for further studies in which education levels are similar, and hospitalization and the Covid-19 positivity process are examined in more detail.