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Perceived Kinesiophobia and Its Association with Return to Sports Activity Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study - Article Review
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are a common concern for athletes and active individuals. A recent study conducted in Saudi Arabia sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of ACL reconstruction recovery: kinesiophobia, or the fear of movement and re-injury. This research provides valuable insights into the psychological barriers that patients face when returning to sports after ACL reconstruction surgery.
Key Findings
The study, conducted at Aseer Central Hospital, involved 130 patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction surgery. Here are some of the notable findings:
- The majority of participants (82.3%) experienced moderate levels of kinesiophobia.
- Age played a significant role, with 27.3% of participants aged 35-45 years reporting higher levels of kinesiophobia.
- The timing of surgery also influenced kinesiophobia levels, with 10% of patients who had surgery 6-12 months after injury showing higher levels.
- There was a positive correlation between kinesiophobia and emotional factors related to returning to sports, such as nervousness and fear of re-injury.
Impact on Return to Sports
The study revealed that kinesiophobia could significantly impact a patient's readiness to return to sports activities. Patients who experienced higher levels of kinesiophobia were more likely to:
- Feel nervous about playing their sport again
- Be frustrated about having to consider their knee during sports activities
- Fear re-injury or accidental injury while playing sports[1]
Conclusion and Recommendations
Understanding the psychological barriers that ACL reconstruction patients face is crucial for developing comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Based on this study's findings, here are some real-world recommendations:
1. Implement psychological screening: Healthcare providers should incorporate assessments of kinesiophobia into their post-operative care protocols.
2. Tailor rehabilitation programs: Develop personalized rehabilitation plans that address both physical and psychological aspects of recovery, especially for older patients and those who delayed surgery.
3. Provide psychological support: Offer counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy to help patients manage their fears and anxieties about returning to sports.
4. Educate patients: Provide clear information about the recovery process and the safety of returning to sports when following proper rehabilitation guidelines.
5. Gradual return-to-sport protocols: Implement step-by-step programs that gradually increase the intensity and complexity of sports-related activities to build confidence.
By addressing kinesiophobia and other psychological factors, healthcare providers can help ACL reconstruction patients achieve better outcomes and a more successful return to their desired level of physical activity.
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