Kinesiophobia in individuals participating in trekking and hiking activities: a cross-sectional study

Kinesiophobia stands out as a significant psychological barrier that limits performance and participation in nature-based physical activities. To form the basis for the development of appropriate preventive strategies, this study aimed to determine the levels of kinesiophobia among individuals participating in trekking and hiking activities and to examine their associations with demographic and behavioral factors.

The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia was applied to 518 individuals who participated in trekking and hiking activities on the world-famous Lycian Way on the southern coast of Türkiye.

Higher kinesiophobia scores were observed among females, older participants, and individuals with prior negative experiences, with small-to-moderate effect sizes (η² = 0.011-0.069). A combined smoking and alcohol use variable was modestly associated with higher kinesiophobia scores (η² = 0.021), whereas no statistically significant association was found with income status.

The study highlights the importance of psychoeducational programs, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and confidence-based physical awareness exercises in relation to kinesiophobia among participants in trekking and hiking activities. However, due to the cross-sectional design, the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships. Future longitudinal and experimental studies can examine the development of kinesiophobia in different age and experience groups in greater detail. In addition, the investigation of psychophysiological indicators and psychological adaptation processes after injury will make valuable contributions to the literature in terms of the prevention and management of kinesiophobia in trekking and hiking activities.