Investigation of the relationship between kinesiophobia, physical activity level and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain1.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia (fear of movement), physical activity level and quality of life.

METHODS: In this study, we assessed 112 patients consulting for low back pain (LBP) of ≥ 3 month's duration. We used Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity level, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale for perception of kinesiophobia, Oswestry Disability Index for disability status of low back.

RESULTS: The results of this study, there was no statistically significant correlation between International Physical Activity Questionnaire, duration of pain, intensity of pain at rest and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (p> 0.05). It was found a statistically significant correlation between pain intensity at activity (p= 0.009), disability level (p= 0.000) and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale. Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale were highly negative correlated with sub-scale of SF-36 Quality of Life Index (general health, physical function, social status, bodily pain, role limitations due to physical health) (p= 0.000).

CONCLUSION: The kinesiophobia adversely affect the quality of life limiting the physical activity status of patients with chronic low back pain.