Exploring the relationship between kinesiophobia, clinical outcomes, and lumbopelvic movement control impairments

Abstract

Background: The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) was developed to assess fear of movement in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). Previous studies demonstrated that kinesiophobia was associated with clinical outcomes (pain and disability). The 6-item movement control test battery (MCTB) has been proposed to identify lumbopelvic movement control impairment (MCI), which could be associated with kinesiophobia.

Objectives: To determine the association between kinesiophobia clinical outcomes and MCI.

Materials and Methods: A Total of 141 participants, including chronic LBP (n=47), no LBP (n=47) and a history of LBP (n=47) were recruited. TSK, numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were collected. Then, participants underwent MCTB comprising 6 tests (3 flexion-specific and 3 extension-specific tests). The results of MCTB were recorded as the frequencies of positive MCI. The frequency for overall MCI ranges between 0 and 6, while the frequency for each direction-specific MCI ranges between 0 and 3. Spearman’s test was used to determine the associations.

Results: Statistical analysis showed TSK was significantly associated (P<0.05) with NPRS (r=0.78), ODI (r=0.34), overall MCI (r=0.26), flexion-specific MCI (r=0.26), and extension-specific MCI (r=0.18).

Conclusion: Our findings support the association between fear of movement and clinical outcomes consistent with those reported in literature. The association between fear of movement and MCI suggests the role of fear in movement control. Results further indicate that kinesiophobia compromises movement control in flexion-specific rather than extension-specific direction. However, the weak association (r<0.40) between kinesiophobia and MCI should be considered before applying to clinical practice.