Kinesiophobia and its correlations with pain, proprioception, and functional performance among individuals with chronic neck pain

PLoS One. 2021 Jul 8;16(7):e0254262. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254262. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Chronic neck pain (CNP) incidence in the general population is high and contributes to a significant health problem. Kinesiophobia (fear of pain to movement or re-injury) combined with emotions and physical variables may play a vital role in assessing and managing individuals with CNP. The study's objectives are 1) to evaluate the relationship between kinesiophobia, neck pain intensity, proprioception, and functional performance; 2) to determine if kinesiophobia predicts pain intensity, proprioception, and functional performance among CNP individuals. Sixty-four participants with CNP (mean age 54.31 ± 9.41) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The following outcome measures were evaluated: Kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), neck pain intensity using the visual analog scale (VAS), cervical proprioceptive joint position errors (in flexion, extension, and rotation directions) using cervical range of motion (CROM) device and handgrip strength as a measure of functional performance using the Baseline® hydraulic hand dynamometer. Kinesiophobia showed a strong positive correlation with neck pain intensity (r = 0.81, p<0.001), a mild to a moderate positive correlation with proprioception joint position errors (JPE) in extension, rotation left and right directions (p<0.05), but no correlation in flexion direction (p = 0.127). Also, there was a moderate negative correlation with handgrip strength (r = -0.65, p<0.001). Regression analysis proved that kinesiophobia was a significant predictor of pain intensity, proprioception, and functional performance (p<0.05). This study infers that kinesiophobia in individuals with CNP predicts pain, proprioception, and functional performance. Kinesiophobia assessment should be considered in regular clinical practice to understand the barriers that can influence rehabilitation outcomes in CNP individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Pain / physiopathology
  • Chronic Pain / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Fear / psychology*
  • Female
  • Hand Strength / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck / physiopathology
  • Neck Muscles / physiopathology
  • Neck Pain / physiopathology*
  • Neck Pain / psychology*
  • Pain Measurement / psychology
  • Physical Functional Performance
  • Proprioception / physiology*
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Visual Analog Scale

Grants and funding

The King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Grant number: RGP.1/98/42) funded this study. Funding was received by the first author, Dr. Faisal Asiri.