Kinesiophobia and Physical Function in Elderly With Musculoskeletal Pain

NCT07272876 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 24-313
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate how kinesiophobia (fear of movement), pain intensity, and physical performance are related in older adults experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Musculoskeletal pain is highly common in the elderly due to age-related degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness. These conditions often lead to reduced mobility, impaired balance, and limitations in daily living activities. As a result, many older adults may avoid physical activity due to fear of pain or reinjury, which may further decrease their functional capacity. The primary purpose of this study is to understand whether kinesiophobia contributes to lower physical performance in elderly individuals who have musculoskeletal pain. The study will also examine how pain intensity relates to balance, upper and lower limb strength, and overall functional ability. Participants aged 65 years and older will complete a set of standard assessments in a single 30-minute session. Kinesiophobia will be measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, a 17-item questionnaire designed to assess fear of movement and avoidance behaviors. Balance will be evaluated with the Berg Balance Scale, which includes 14 tasks commonly performed in daily life. Lower limb strength will be assessed with the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, while upper limb strength will be measured with a handgrip dynamometer. Understanding these relationships may help clinicians design better rehabilitation programs that reduce fear, improve physical performance, and support healthy aging. The findings of this study may also contribute to strategies for preventing disability and promoting independence in older adults with musculoskeletal pain.

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Pain; Physical Performance; Geriatrics; Kinesiophobia

Keywords

musculoskeletal pain; Physical Performance; Geriatrics; Kinesiophobia

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Kinesiophobia Level (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia Score)

  Kinesiophobia will be assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), a 17-item self-report questionnaire. Each item is scored from 1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree), yielding a total score range of 17 to 68. Higher scores indicate greater fear of movement and higher levels of avoidance behavior.

  At a single assessment session (approximately 30 minutes after enrollment).

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Balance Performance (Berg Balance Scale Score)

  At a single assessment session (approximately 30 minutes after enrollment).

• Lower Limb Strength and Functional Performance (30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test Repetitions)

  At a single assessment session (approximately 30 minutes after enrollment).

• Upper Limb Strength (Handgrip Dynamometry)

  At a single assessment session (approximately 30 minutes after enrollment).

• Pain Intensity (Numeric Rating Scale)

  At a single assessment session (approximately 30 minutes after enrollment).

Study Arms (1)

Elderly Individuals With Musculoskeletal Pain

This cohort consists of community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older who are experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Participants in this group present with age-related degenerative musculoskeletal conditions that may affect movement, balance, and functional ability. All individuals in this cohort undergo standardized assessments of kinesiophobia, pain intensity, and physical performance. The cohort reflects a population with chronic musculoskeletal symptoms but without distinctions based on specific diagnoses, treatment exposure, or disease severity.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Participants will be community-dwelling older adults recruited from local geriatric outpatient clinics, physiotherapy centers, and community health facilities. The study population will primarily consist of individuals aged 65 years and above who seek evaluation or follow-up care related to musculoskeletal health, mobility, or general functional status within these clinical and community settings.

You may qualify if:

• Being over 65 years of age
• Having musculoskeletal pain
• Having the ability to read, write, and understand Turkish

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of any neurological disease
• Presence of a mental health problem that would prevent participation in the study
• Presence of a metabolic disease such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
• Presence of a malignancy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istinye University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istinye University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Pain; Kinesiophobia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Phobic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Zeynep Kaçar Akkoç

  Istinye University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Zeynep Kaçar Akkoç

  zeynep.kacar@stu.istinye.edu.tr

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 26, 2025
• First Posted: December 9, 2025
• Study Start: October 23, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 30, 2025
• Study Completion: January 25, 2026
• Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-12

Locations

TU (1)