Correlation between kinesiophobia and pain in people with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional pilot study

Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that impacts articular cartilage. As people age, OA becomes a more common major public health issue. The study’s goal was to determine how kinesiophobia, pain severity, and pain interference are related. Methods: The study included 24 individuals with OA who visited the institute’s outpatient department by convenience sampling. Data collection included applying the Kellgren–Lawrence classification for OA and three outcome scales. The participants included in this study were adults with knee pain diagnosed with OA, according to OA Research Society International guidelines and radiologically confirmed, who can understand the instructions on the scale. The participants excluded from this study were those who had a recent fracture, recent corticosteroid injection in the knee, history of systemic inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue disorder, genetic and congenital disorders, bleeding disorder, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, knee replacement surgery, recent surgical excision of menisci, ligament, and osteomyelitis. Results: Spearman’s correlation coefficients (r) revealed a significant positive relationship between kinesiophobia and knee pain intensity (r = 0.7, P < 0.001). The study also revealed a considerable positive association between pain interference and knee pain intensity (r = 0.59, P = 0.002). Furthermore, favorable association was observed between kinesiophobia and pain interference (r = 0.63, P < 0.001). Conclusion: People with OA knee experience increased levels of kinesiophobia in response to worsening knee pain and hindrance from the pain.