The association between kinesiophobia and dynamic balance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between Kinesiophobia and dynamic balance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Forty subjects with PFPS [20 Low Kinesiophobia (LK), 20 High Kinesiophobia (HK)], and 20 pain-free subjects (control group) were enrolled in the study. All subjects performed a Y-balance test to measure the dynamic balance. Normalized reach distance and balance parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that patients with PFPS who have a greater Kinesiophobia showed a poorer dynamic balance. In addition, the HK group showed a significantly lower mean reach distance score in the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions compared to LK and healthy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing the psychological factors such as Kinesiophobia during examination and treatment of people with PFPS may be important to improve the dynamic balance.