The relationship between kinesiophobia, dyspnea level, functional exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aims and Objectives: Kinesiophobia is defined as fear of movement and activity resulting from a feeling of vulnerability to painful injury or reinjury. Although there are studies concerning kinesiophobia and its relationship with clinical variables in various chronic diseases, there are limited data about kinesiophobia in COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between kinesiophobia, dyspnea level, functional exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with moderate/severe COPD were participated in this study. Dyspnea level was determined using the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale. Kinesiophobia was measured using Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). Six-Minute Walk Test was used to evaluate functional exercise capacity. Nottingham Health Profile scale Health-related quality of life energy level, pain, emotional reactions, sleep, social isolation and physical abilities sub-domains were used to assess quality of life. Results: TSK score was significantly associated with dyspnea level, functional exercise capacity, pain and physical abilities (p<0.05). Although there was no correlation between TSK scores and energy level, emotional reactions, sleep and social isolation sub-domains of quality of life (p>0.05) Conclusions: Dyspnea level, functional exercise capacity and quality of life subdomains are all positively associated with higher degree of kinesiophobia in patients with COPD. It is important that kinesiophobia should be evaluate in routine assessments because of its effects on main outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation programs.