Latent profile analysis of kinesiophobia in patients after lumbar spine surgery

This study aimed to assess the current status of kinesiophobia in patients following lumbar spine surgery, categorize patients based on the latent characteristics of their kinesiophobia, and explore the influencing factors across different subgroups.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2024 and March 2025 in two general hospitals in Jingzhou, China. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified kinesiophobia subgroups, and univariate logistic regression explored associated factors.

A total of 324 patients were included. LPA revealed three distinct kinesiophobia profiles: low-level (38.5%), moderate-level (41.0%), and high-level (20.3%). Compared with the high-level group, the low-level group was associated with lower educational attainment, stronger self-care ability, normal Body Mass Index (BMI), and higher self-efficacy. The moderate-level group was linked to lower education, abnormal BMI, lower self-efficacy, and greater pain catastrophizing.

Kinesiophobia after lumbar spine surgery presents with significant heterogeneity. Educational level, BMI, self-efficacy, self-care ability, and pain-related cognition are key influencing factors. Recognizing different subtypes may assist clinicians in developing targeted interventions to alleviate kinesiophobia and support postoperative recovery.