Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the influence of degree of low back pain and psychological factors on impairment of activities of daily living (ADL) in care workers. Methods: Degrees of ADL impairment and low back pain, helpless, depressive tendencies, and beliefs about back pain prognosis were assessed in 126 care workers with low back pain. After modeling the inter-factor relationships based on a cognitive-behavioral theory, the model was revised or modified through path analysis, and the fit of the resulting model and relationships among measurement items were investigated. Results: The fit of the revised model was high (CMIN = 21.880, p = 0.189, AGFI = 0.923, RMSEA = 0.046), and the present findings demonstrate that degree of low back pain, helpless and beliefs about back pain prognosis directly or indirectly affect ADL impairment. Conclusion: In order to understand the factors that affect the ADL impairment on back pain subjects, in addition to the degree of low back pain, psychological factors are important.
