Kinesiophobia and Its Impact on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disorder, especially in older adults, and is a leading cause of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Patients with OA often experience pain and functional limitations that may contribute to psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and kinesiophobia (fear of movement). Kinesiophobia is defined as an excessive and irrational fear of movement due to the belief that it will cause pain or re-injury, and it may further limit mobility and daily functioning. The aim of this prospective, cross-sectional study is to investigate the prevalence of kinesiophobia among patients with primary knee osteoarthritis and to evaluate its relationship with pain severity and functional capacity. A total of 84 participants aged 40-85 years, diagnosed with knee OA, will be recruited from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara Training and Research Hospital. Data collection will include demographic and clinical information, quadriceps muscle strength, range of motion, and radiographic staging using the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. Outcome measures include the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for function. This study will provide insights into the impact of kinesiophobia on pain and functional outcomes in knee OA and may help guide clinical strategies that address both physical and psychosocial factors in the management of this common condition.

NCT Number	NCT07161895
Lead Sponsor	Ankara Training and Research Hospital
Conditions	Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA), OA, Kinesiophobia
Enrollment	84 participants
Start Date	2025-05-01
Primary Completion	2026-01-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-01-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-02-03