Kinesiophophia or Task-specific Fear of Movement? What Are we Talking About in Patients Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

What this Trial Is About

Kinesiophobia, an excessive fear of physical movement due to injury concerns, is common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and can reduce physical function, delay return to sport, and affect quality of life. Researchers are investigating how different ways of assessing this fear, including the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and task-specific fears triggered by visual or anticipated movement, compare in ACLR patients. The study aims to better understand fear of movement and its impact on motor behavior and autonomic nervous system responses in this group. Participants will experience three different treadmill walking conditions lasting 10 minutes each: walking while visualizing neutral images, walking while visualizing images related to feared movements like cutting or jumping, and walking while anticipating performing a feared movement shown in a video with a jumping platform present. These conditions are designed to explore how fear influences movement and physiological responses. The study uses a randomized, double-blind design with these experimental exposures. During the study visit, participants will be assessed using motor behavior measures and autonomic nervous system markers such as heart rate variability, skin conductance, and blood pressure variability. Questionnaires evaluating physical function, fear-avoidance beliefs, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors will also be completed. Researchers will measure subjective fear feelings after each walking condition to explore relationships between fear and physical responses. The study participation occurs mostly on a single day with detailed monitoring during and after the interventions.

Kinesiophobia vs. Task-Specific Fear: Defining Movement-Related Fear in ACL Reconstruction Patients