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Development and Validation of the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire
Geoffrey Dover1, Vanessa Amar1
1Department of Exercise Science, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Athletic Training
|March 21, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ) to assess sport-injury-related fear avoidance in athletes. This new tool demonstrates good validity and can identify psychological barriers to rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Sport Psychology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- The fear-avoidance model explains how pain perception and behavior can become disconnected from actual sensation.
- High fear avoidance is linked to chronic pain, disability, and prolonged rehabilitation.
- Existing fear-avoidance questionnaires lack specificity for athletic populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ).
- To create a sport-specific measure for fear avoidance in athletes.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research and expert input for initial AFAQ development.
- Cross-sectional study involving 99 varsity athletes for validation.
- Concurrent validity assessed using Pearson correlations with established questionnaires.
Main Results:
- The AFAQ demonstrated significant correlations with the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire-Physical Activity and Pain Catastrophizing Scale.
- High internal consistency was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.805.
- The final 10-item AFAQ showed good internal and external validity.
Conclusions:
- The Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ) is a valid and reliable measure for sport-injury-related fear avoidance.
- The AFAQ can identify psychological barriers hindering athletic rehabilitation.
- This tool aids clinicians in tailoring interventions for athletes experiencing fear avoidance.
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