An investigation into the relationship between kinesiophobia and outcomes of a lower limb exercise programme in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of pain and disability. Exercise has been recommended as a core treatment for OA. Exercise behaviour is an essential factor with kinesiophobia/fear of movement being a major clinical implication. Understanding exercise behaviour may provide a more comprehensive rehabilitation programme for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia and outcomes of a lower limb exercise programme in knee osteoarthritis. Fifty-four individuals with clinical and/or radiographic knee OA (mean age 63.4 years (range 47-79); 50% female) completed a 4-week, 8-session lower limb exercise programme. Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK), physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE), Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), Y balance test, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the 30-second chair stand test with an activPAL™ activity monitor were used with six standard physiotherapy questions asked to give the participants a voice during the research. Significant results from baseline to 6-weeks post programme were reported in kinesiophobia, Y balance test, KOOS pain, quality of life, activities of daily living, symptoms, sport and recreation, PASE, 6MWT and the 30-second chair stand test. Furthermore, significant results for 7-days of stepping and transitions, and for cadence banding 110-120 steps per minute. Average steps per day increased from 7,491 to 8,166. Our findings demonstrate that kinesiophobia and pain reduces after completing the exercise programme in participants with knee OA. During the exercise programme, as kinesiophobia reduced, so did the individuals pain, therefore baseline kinesiophobia scores could be important due to the correlation with pain changes. Further significant findings demonstrate that the programme increases objectively measured physical activity attributes and mobility in individuals with knee OA, therefore having a greater impact on developing and maintaining functio