Fear of movement in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Kinesiophobia, fear of physical movement, is the most common reason for not returning to sport after ACLR. Psychological factors influence recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Those who undergo ACLR display elevated pain levels as a barrier limiting return to pre-surgical levels of sports performance. To date no study investigating this link has been conducted in an Irish population PURPOSE: To identify individuals who have elevated levels of kinesiophobia after ACLR surgery and ascertain if kinesiophobia was a barrier to return to sport. METHODS: Adults who underwent ACLR in University Hospital during a three year period were eligible to participate. Individuals who had a previous history of ACL rupture and with concomitant injuries were excluded. The 179 eligible individuals were posted the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) a demographic questionnaire and information leaflet to invite them to participate in the study. RESULTS: Forty-five participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The majority of the respondents (78.4) reported high levels of kinesiophobia. Many (73.7) returned to sports participation, however only 42.1 and 47.2 returned to pre-injury sports participation and performance respectively. Subjectively kinesiophobia was a key barrier limiting return to pre-injury level of sports participation and performance. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiophobia appears to be a key barrier preventing return to pre-injury level of sports participation and performance after ACLR.