The effect of kinesiophobia on clinical parameters in sacroiliac joint dysfunction: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundSacroiliac joint dysfunction (SJD) is often recognized as a contributing factor to chronic low back pain. Nevertheless, studies evaluating the connection between SJD and kinesiophobia are currently lacking.ObjectiveIt aims to examine the occurrence of kinesiophobia and its impact on emotional well-being, spinal flexibility, disability, quality of life and pain in individuals with SJD.MethodsThe study assessed the occurrence of kinesiophobia and its clinical effects in 55 patients with SJD. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) was utilized to measure kinesiophobia. Clinical parameters were evaluated using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), finger-to-floor distance test (FTF), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the modified Schober Test (MST).ResultsParticipants were grouped based on their TSK scores. SJD symptom duration was longer in patients with kinesiophobia compared to those without (p = 0.002) and a positive relationship was identified between symptom duration and TSK scores (p < 0.001). Higher mean VAS score (p = 0.047), ODI (p = 0.003) and HADS-Depression sub-scores (p = 0.024) were determined in kinesiophobic group. Although HADS-Anxiety sub-scores were higher in the kinesiophobic group, these scores did not exceed the cut-off value in both groups. A significant association was identified between ODI and TSK scores (ρ=0.467 p = 0.002), and between FTF distance and TSK scores in the kinesiophobic group (ρ=0.307 p = 0.046).ConclusionKinesiophobia has the potential to elevate the risk of developing chronic pain. Therefore, identifying kinesiophobia in individuals with SJD and incorporating it into treatment strategies may enhance rehabilitation outcomes.