Perceived Kinesiophobia and Its Association with Return to Sports Activity Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The knee joint is one of the most important joints in terms of its functions of providing great stability, movement and weight bearing. Among the contributors to knee joint stability, there is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Kinesiophobia is said to be the fear of movement or the fear of re-injury. Kinesiophobia is the most extreme form of fear of movement, and it is defined as an excessive, irrational, and debilitating fear of physical movement and activity resulting from a feeling of vulnerability to painful injury or re-injury. Aim: To estimate the prevalence and effect of kinesiophobia among patients with ACL reconstruction in the Aseer region, in southern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used involving those patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery in Aseer Central Hospital during the period of October 2017 to October 2019. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and ACL—Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale were used to determine kinesiophobia and the readiness to return to sport after ACL injury or reconstructive surgery. Result: The research included 130 ACL reconstruction patients with ages ranging from 18 to 45 years with a mean age of 27.2 + 7.5 years. More than 97% of the participants were males. In 67.7% of the cases, the right leg was affected. A total of 10.8% of the patients recorded a low level of kinesiophobia, while only 6.9% recorded a high level. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study revealed that among patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, kinesiophobia was at a moderate level. Kinesiophobia was recorded more among middle-aged patients who waited a long time from the onset of injury until the ACL reconstruction surgery time.

Relationships between Jumping Performance and Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport 6 Months Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Future studies should build on current preliminary findings to help to evaluate return-to-sport readiness following ACL surgery, taking into account functional ability and psychological readiness when planning sport resumption. Long-term studies are needed to investigate prognostic factors which may allow for more appropriate decision-making strategies and give a reliable prediction on return-to-sport ability [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among Physically Active Adults

“…Still, the emotional or cognitive reaction to ACLR is a key factor. A study conducted by Raizah et al in Saudi Arabia stated that kinesiophobia significantly affected activities after reconstruction [ 24 ]. According to our research, there was a significant improvement in athletic activities, but kinesiophobia could be an essential founding variable.…”

Performance Based Disability Associated with Kinesiophobia and Self-Efficacy Among Older Adults

“…Fear and other negative or maladaptive psychological elements are among the most significant biopsychosocial factors that influence pain. 7 Kinesiophobia could be a factor contributing to the limited and variable physical activity participation in older adults. 8 , 9 Therefore, although kinesiophobia appears to be increased in the general older adult population and impacts chronic pain patients, it remains unclear whether kinesiophobia could impact physical activity and function in relatively healthy, chronic pain-free older adults.…”