Kinesiophobia and associated factors in elderly females with chronic musculoskeletal pain: pilot study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fear of movement and re/injury (kinesiophobia) is factor associated to chronic pain and incapacity. Since elderly population is highly affected by chronic health problems followed by pain, especially musculoskeletal problems, it is important to understand the impact of pain-related fear on elderly females' health. This study aimed at determining the incidence of kinesiophobia in elderly females assisted in a geriatrics and gerontology ambulatory, as well as at investigating possible correlations with physical performance and other health and socio-demographic variables. METHODS: This is a crossover exploratory study with nonprobabilistic convenience sample of 30 elderly females, carried out with interviews, physical tests and medical charts review. Patients were evaluated for the presence of kinesiophobia, physical performance and other variables related to chronic musculoskeletal pain, in addition to socio-demographic information. RESULTS: There has been kinesiophobia in 80% of the sample. There has been significant moderate correlation between physical performance and kinesiophobia (r=541; p=0.002). No other correlations were found. CONCLUSION: Data have shown high incidence of kinesiophobia among evaluated elderly females, in addition to physical performance impairment associated to it.