Publications by authors named "Anna L Valjakka"

Background and aim Physicians' attitudes predict clinical decision making and treatment choices, but the association between attitudes and behaviour is complex. Treatment guidelines for non-specific low back pain (LBP) include recommendations of early assessment of psychosocial risk factors forchronic pain, patient education and reassurance. Implication of these principles is demanding, and many patients are not referred for appropriate treatments due to a lack of systematic screening of psychosocial risk factors for chronic pain.

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Objective: To identify predictors of pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis.

Design: A one-year prospective analysis of determinants of pain and functioning in knee osteoarthritis.

Study Setting: Primary care providers in a medium-sized city.

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Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a six week cognitive-behavioural group intervention in patients with knee osteoarthritis pain.

Design: Single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Study Setting: Primary care providers in a medium-sized city in Finland.

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Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and imposes a heavy burden on individual welfare among elderly people. There is preliminary evidence that psychological factors play a role in functional ability and pain in knee OA patients, particularly with respect to the surgery outcome. Less is known about psychological factors among community-dwelling patients with knee OA.

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Background: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, with pain being its most common symptom. Little is known about the psychological aspects of knee osteoarthritis pain. There is an emerging consensus among osteoarthritis specialists about the importance of addressing not only biological but also psychosocial factors in the assessment and treatment of osteoarthritis.

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