Relationship between kinesiophobia and quality of life among patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: Chain-mediating effect of self-care and functional exercise compliance

The effects of kinesiophobia, fatigue, and quality of life on physical activity in patients with stroke

BACKGROUND

Physical activity decreases after stroke due to various factors and the causes and effects of these factors remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed todetermine the effects of kinesiophobia, fatigue, and quality of life on physical activity in patients with stroke.

METHODS

The study included 32 patients (13 females/19 males), all evaluated using the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement, Barthel Index, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale-fatigue, Fatigue Impact Scale and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. The SenseWear multisensory activity monitor was worn on the arm of the patients for 1 week to evaluate active energy expenditure, step count, and rest periods in relation to physical activity. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the effects of the independent variables kinesiophobia, fatigue, and quality of life on the dependent variables of active energy expenditure, step count, and rest periods.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 52.31 ± 14.76 years. According to the multiple regression analysis results, kinesiophobia (p = 0.011) and quality of life (p = 0.009) are significant determinants of active energy expenditure and quality of life (p = 0.001) is a significant determinant of the step count in patients with stroke. Kinesiophobia, fatigue, and quality of life were not determinants of rest periods (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study results showed that kinesiophobia and quality of life are important determinants of physical activity in patients with stroke. Combined evaluation in the clinic of motor findings and non-motor factors, which are often ignored, and the application of target-oriented approaches to these problems will make a significant contribution to the success of stroke rehabilitation.

Tackling Kinesiophobia in Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Case Report on the Combined Effect of Pain Education and Whole-Body Cryostimulation

BACKGROUND

Chronic shoulder pain may cause significant functional disability and reduced psychosocial well-being. Detailed Case Description: In this case, we propose the use of pain neuroscience education and whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) to treat a 64-year-old woman with severe functional limitations and chronic right shoulder pain. The aim was to overcome kinesiophobia and improve her motor function, autonomy, and quality of life. Functional and clinical assessments were conducted at admission, discharge, and at a one-month follow-up via phone call. The patient's global health, shoulder function, and quality of life showed improvement during hospitalisation and were maintained after one month.

DISCUSSION

Pain education is crucial in managing chronic shoulder pain, especially in addressing kinesiophobia and promoting positive patient outcomes. In this context, WBC was used as a supplementary treatment to traditional pain relief and exercise tolerance therapies. This can help individuals to participate more actively in their rehabilitation process, ultimately promoting functional recovery and an improved quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The combination of cryostimulation, tailored physical exercises, pain education, manual therapy, and psychological support created a synergistic effect that addressed both the physical and psychological aspects of pain and kinesiophobia.

Kinesiophobia as a Barrier to Symptom Management Using Physical Activity When undergoing Cancer Therapy: A Preparatory Study Describing Patients' Experiences With the New Instrument Tampa-Scale for Kinesiophobia-Symptoms and Interviews

Background: Cancer care professionals need to be aware of kinesiophobia, fear of motion, in patients undergoing cancer therapy. The new instrument the Tampa-Scale Kinesiophobia Symptoms (TSK-Symptoms) aims to measure fear and avoidance of motion in relation to multiple symptoms (eg, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, pain). It is modified from the TSK, which relates solely to pain. Aim: To test the feasibility of the TSK-Symptoms, to quantify kinesiophobia in patients with cancer, to study whether kinesiophobia was associated with symptoms or physical activity, and through interviews to gain a deeper understanding of patient experiences. Methods: In this preparatory longitudinal study, patients (n = 55, mean age 68 years; 51% men; 38% had prostate cancer, 23% breast cancer) undergoing radiotherapy provided questionnaire data on kinesiophobia using the new instrument TSK-Symptoms, symptoms and physical activity twice (at baseline, T1, and 1 week later, T2). Eight patients were interviewed. Results: At T1 and T2, 4 of 54 (7%) and 8 of 55 patients (14%) reported kinesiophobia (P = .009). From T1 to T2, occurrence of nausea increased. Of the 16 nauseated patients at T2, 6 (38%) reported kinesiophobia compared to 2 (5%) of the 39 nausea-free patients (P = .005). Patients who reported kinesiophobia practiced less physical activity (median 0 days at moderate intensity at T1 (P < .001), median 2 days at moderate intensity at T2, P = .006) compared to patients free from kinesiophobia (median 4 and 5 days). Three qualitative content analysis categories described patient experiences: (1) "Struggling to stay physically active in an extraordinary situation associated with burdensome symptoms," (2) "Feeling damaged and at the same time grateful," and (3) "Needing support due to fear of motion and of worsened condition." Conclusions: This preparatory study showed that the new instrument the TSK-Symptoms was feasible for use in patients undergoing cancer therapy to quantify kinesiophobia, which was present in approximately 1 in 10 patients. Kinesiophobia was more common in patients with nausea, and patients reporting kinesiophobia practiced less physical activity. Patients highlighted a need for support. The psychometric properties of the TSK-Symptoms, completed on several languages, need to be evaluated. Cancer care professionals may quantify kinesiophobia using the TSK-Symptoms instrument and give kinesiophobic patients support.