Is there a relationship between kinesiophobia and the functional capacity of women with knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by persistent pain. Kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing are cognitive-behavioral factors that have been associated with functional limitations and pain severity. Although previous studies have highlighted potential relationships between these factors and movement patterns, their association with specific functional tasks remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and kinematics during functional activities in women with knee OA.

Thirty-five women (67.00 ± 8.43) with a medical diagnosis of knee OA participated in the study. Anamnesis was conducted, followed by the application of the Brief Fear of Movement, Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC). Kinematic evaluation during the step-down test and sit-to-stand tasks was performed. Joint angles for trunk inclination, pelvic tilt, hip flexion, knee flexion, knee valgus and ankle dorsiflexion were calculated. For statistical analysis, Pearson's correlation test was used, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

A strong correlation was observed between knee flexion during the sit-to-stand task and the Brief scale (r = -0.776, p = 0.005) and between the WOMAC Function domain and the Brief scale (r = 0.412, p = 0.042). A moderate correlation was found between knee flexion angle during step-down task and the Brief scale (r = -0.459, p = 0.012).

Higher levels of kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing are associated with specific kinematic adaptations during daily functional tasks in women with knee OA.