A NEW study reveals that kinesiophobia, the fear of movement due to perceived risk of pain or injury, is prevalent among patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, potentially affecting their quality of life and health outcomes. Conducted across seven hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China, the study assessed 291 patients to understand the extent of kinesiophobia and identify factors influencing this fear.
Using the Tampa Kinesiophobia-11 Scale, researchers found that 69.1% of patients experienced kinesiophobia, though at a mild level. Key factors impacting kinesiophobia included coping strategies, physical activity, and health status. Patients with no complications, those who engaged in daily exercise before illness, and those employing positive coping styles were less likely to experience kinesiophobia. Conversely, fatigue and negative coping strategies increased the risk of kinesiophobia.
Given these findings, the study recommends that healthcare providers work proactively to identify high-risk patients early on. By understanding the factors that contribute to kinesiophobia, medical staff can develop targeted interventions to encourage safe and manageable levels of physical activity, addressing both the physical and psychological needs of patients. Early intervention could help mitigate the adverse effects of kinesiophobia, leading to improved quality of life, better health outcomes, and reduced complications among peritoneal dialysis patients.
Reference
Xie M et al. Current status and influencing factors of kinesiophobia in patients with peritoneal dialysis: a multicenter cross-sectional study. BMC Nephrol. 2024;DOI:10.1186/s12882-024-03851-0.
