PIPT element for gradual exposure to activities without fear?

• A. Focus on Function
• B. Skilled communication
• C. Graded Activity
• D. Pain education

Answer: (C)

Graded activity is the technique that uses a structured, stepwise plan to gradually increase activity, helping patients confront and overcome fear and avoidance. In PIPT, this approach starts with achievable tasks and progressively raises the demand—load, duration, complexity—while staying within a safe, tolerable range. The goal is to show the patient that moving and doing activities is not harmful, which reduces fear and encourages regular participation in meaningful tasks, leading to better function. The other elements serve important roles—focusing on function keeps goals oriented toward activity and participation, skilled communication supports rapport and instruction, and pain education explains pain mechanisms—but they do not, by themselves, provide the graduated exposure plan that builds confidence through incremental activity.