Chronic neck pain (CNP) incidence in the general population is high and contributes to a significant health problem. Kinesiophobia (fear of pain to movement or re-injury) combined with emotions and physical variables may play a vital role in assessing and managing individuals with CNP. The study’s objectives are 1) to evaluate the relationship between kinesiophobia, neck pain intensity, proprioception, and functional performance; 2) to determine if kinesiophobia predicts pain intensity, proprioception, and functional performance among CNP individuals. Sixty-four participants with CNP (mean age 54.31 ± 9.41) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The following outcome measures were evaluated: Kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), neck pain intensity using the visual analog scale (VAS), cervical proprioceptive joint position errors (in flexion, extension, and rotation directions) using cervical range of motion (CROM) device and handgrip strength as a measure of functional performance using the Baseline® hydraulic hand dynamometer. Kinesiophobia showed a strong positive correlation with neck pain intensity (r = 0.81, p<0.001), a mild to a moderate positive correlation with proprioception joint position errors (JPE) in extension, rotation left and right directions (p<0.05), but no correlation in flexion direction (p = 0.127). Also, there was a moderate negative correlation with handgrip strength (r = -0.65, p<0.001). Regression analysis proved that kinesiophobia was a significant predictor of pain intensity, proprioception, and functional performance (p<0.05). This study infers that kinesiophobia in individuals with CNP predicts pain, proprioception, and functional performance. Kinesiophobia assessment should be considered in regular clinical practice to understand the barriers that can influence rehabilitation outcomes in CNP individuals.

In current clinical practice, fear of movement has been considered a significant factor affecting patient disability and needs to be evaluated and addressed to accomplish successful rehabilitation strategies. Therefore, the study aims (1) to establish the association between kinesiophobia and knee pain intensity, joint position sense (JPS), and functional performance, and (2) to determine whether kinesiophobia predicts pain intensity, JPS, and functional performance among individuals with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This cross-sectional study included 50 participants (mean age: 67.10 ± 4.36 years) with KOA. Outcome measures: The level of kinesiophobia was assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS), knee JPS using a digital inclinometer, and functional performance using five times sit-to-stand test. Knee JPS was assessed in target angles of 15°, 30°, and 60°. Pearson’s correlation coefficients and simple linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Significant moderate positive correlations were observed between kinesiophobia and pain intensity (r = 0.55, p < 0.001), JPS (r ranged between 0.38 to 0.5, p < 0.05), and functional performance (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). Simple linear regression analysis showed kinesiophobia significantly predicted pain intensity (B = 1.05, p < 0.001), knee JPS (B ranged between 0.96 (0° of knee flexion, right side) to 1.30 (15° of knee flexion, right side)), and functional performance (B = 0.57, p < 0.001). We can conclude that kinesiophobia is significantly correlated and predicted pain intensity, JPS, and functional performance in individuals with KOA. Kinesiophobia is a significant aspect of the recovery process and may be taken into account when planning and implementing rehabilitation programs for KOA individuals.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in global smartphone usage driven by different purposes. This study aimed to explore the effect of smartphone usage on neck muscle (flexors and extensors) endurance, hand grip, and pinch strength among young, healthy college students. In total, 40 male students were recruited for this study; 20 of them belonged to the smartphone-addicted group, while the other 20 were in the non-addicted group based on their smartphone addiction scale—short version (SAS-SV) scores (the threshold for determining smartphone addiction: 31/60). Neck flexor endurance time, the ability to perform a neck extensor muscle endurance test, and hand and pinch grip strength were assessed. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to assess between-group differences in the mean values of neck flexor endurance time, hand grip, and pinch grip. A significant group effect (Wilks’ lambda = 0.51, F _(5,34) = 6.34, p = 0.001, partial eta squared = 0.48) was found. A decrease in neck flexor endurance time was observed in the smartphone-addicted group compared with that of the non-addicted group (p < 0.001). However, there was no notable difference in the neck extensor muscle endurance test or in hand grip and pinch grip strength of both hands between groups (p > 0.05). Using a smartphone for a prolonged time might affect neck flexor muscle endurance; however, more research is needed to explore the long-term effects of using smartphones on neck muscle endurance and hand/pinch grip strength and the risk of developing upper limb neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a painful degenerative joint disease that may limit activities of daily living. This study aimed to determine the relationship between quadriceps endurance and knee joint position sense (JPS) in KOA individuals and compare the quadriceps endurance and knee JPS with and without KOA. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in medical rehabilitation clinics, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia. This study recruited 50 individuals diagnosed with unilateral KOA (mean age = 67.10 ± 4.36 years) and 50 asymptomatic individuals (mean age = 66.50 ± 3.63 years). Quadriceps isometric endurance capacity (sec) was measured using a fatigue resistance test, and knee JPS (degrees) were assessed using a digital inclinometer and evaluated in sitting and standing positions. Results: Quadriceps isometric endurance showed a significant moderate negative correlation with knee JPS in 20° of flexion (r = -0.48, p < 0.001); 40° of flexion: r = -0.62, p < 0.001; 60° of flexion: r = -0.58, p < 0.001) in sitting and 20° of flexion (r = -0.25, p = 0.084) in standing position in KOA individuals. When compared to the asymptomatic, the quadriceps endurance was lower (p < 0.001), and knee joint position errors were larger (p < 0.001) in KOA individuals. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that quadriceps endurance capacity is negatively associated with knee JPS. KOA individuals demonstrated lower quadriceps endurance and larger JPS compared to asymptomatic.

Hip joint proprioception is vital in maintaining posture and stability in elderly individuals. Examining hip joint position sense (JPS) using reliable tools is important in contemporary clinical practice. The objective of this study is to evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of hip JPS tests using a clinically applicable measurement tool in elderly individuals with unilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA). Sixty-two individuals (mean age = 67.5 years) diagnosed with unilateral hip OA participated in this study. The JPS tests were evaluated using a digital inclinometer in hip flexion and abduction directions. The absolute difference between target and reproduced angle (repositioning error) in degrees was taken to measure JPS accuracy. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (2.k), was used to assess the reliability. The Intra rater-reliability for hip JPS tests showed very good agreement in the lying position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.88–0.92; standard error of measurement (SEM) = 0.06–0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.89–0.91; SEM = 0.06–0.07) and good agreement in the standing position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.69–0.72; SEM = 0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.66–0.69; SEM = 0.06–0.08). Likewise, inter-rater reliability for hip JPS tests demonstrated very good agreement in the lying position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.87–0.89; SEM = 0.06–0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.87–0.91; SEM = 0.07) and good agreement in the standing position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.64–0.66; SEM = 0.08, hip abduction-ICC = 0.60–0.72; SEM = 0.06–0.09). The results support the use of hip JPS tests in clinical practice and should be incorporated in assessing and managing elderly participants with hip OA.

Background: Individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) usually present with a fear of movement (kinesiophobia), which causes their symptoms to be maintained and exacerbated. Kinesiophobia can significantly impact postural control; ascertaining their association is crucial in evaluating and managing individuals with FM. This study aims to (1) compare postural control between individuals with FM and asymptomatic individuals, (2) estimate the relationship between kinesiophobia and postural control in individuals with FM, and (3) evaluate whether pain intensity mediates the association between kinesiophobia and postural control in individuals with FM. Methods: This study enrolled 92 individuals (mean age: 51.52 ± 7.7 years) diagnosed with FM and 106 asymptomatic individuals (mean age: 50.47 ± 6.6 years). The examiners estimated the fear of movement and the intensity of pain utilizing the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK) scores and the visual analogue scale (VAS), respectively. The postural control variables included anteroposterior (A-P) sway in mm, medio-lateral (M-L) sway in mm, and ellipse area in mm². Results: The individuals with FM had impaired postural control compared to the asymptomatic individuals (p < 0.001). Kinesiophobia exhibited mild-to-moderate correlations with the postural control variables (nondominant side: A-P sway: r = 0.48, M-L sway: r = 0.49, ellipse area: r = 0.43. Dominant side: A-P sway: r = 0.41, M-L sway: r = 0.33, ellipse area: r = 0.44). The pain intensity significantly mediated the relationship between kinesiophobia and postural control (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Kinesiophobia showed a significant positive relationship with postural control. The individuals with FM with higher TSK scores had decreased postural control. Pain intensity mediated the relationship between kinesiophobia and postural control. These factors must be considered when evaluating and formulating treatment strategies for people with FM.