A Model of Body Perception Disturbances in Chronic Limb Pain: The Predictive Role of Kinesiophobia, Depersonalization and Symptom Severity

This study is the first to use path analysis to examine the predictors and effects of Body Perception Disturbances (BPD) in chronic limb pain. Results identified depersonalization and kinesiophobia as key psychological predictors of BPD, while hyperalgesia has no direct effect. The Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) severity score is negatively associated with BPD, pain and quality of life. Findings emphasise the role of dysfunctional psychological processes in BPD and suggest that targeting these processes and reducing CRPS symptoms may improve BPD and treatment outcomes.