Self-natural posture exercise and chronic pain reduction

Abstract

We examined the effects of the self-natural posture exercise (SNPE) program on changes in physical self-concept and perception of pain reduction among 114 individuals with chronic pain, sampled from a larger group of individuals who completed the SNPE program. Participants’ physical self-concept and perception of their level of pain were measured 4 times (baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks during the SNPE program). The effects of the SNPE on changes in these 2 variables were examined using latent curve model analysis. The program improved the muscle power, subjective health, and flexibility subdomains of physical self-concept, and led to a decrease in perceived pain. The effect of the SNPE on perceived pain was greater for individuals who spent longer sitting each day, and who had suffered from chronic pain for longer. These findings suggest that the SNPE program might be a useful method for the self-treatment of chronic pain.