Examining the Relationship Between the Presence of Kinesiophobia in Stroke Patients and Balance, Gait, Pain, and Social Participation Levels

Examining the Relationship Between the Presence of Kinesiophobia in Stroke Patients and Balance, Gait, Pain, and Social Participation Levels

The aim of this study is to detect the presence of kinesiophobia, which may affect treatment in stroke patients, and to have an idea about its relationship with kinesiophobia by examining factors such as balance, gait, pain and social participation level.

Individuals aged 18-75 with post-stroke hemiplegia or hemiparesis, a minimum Functional Ambulation Scale score of 2, and no major neurological or rheumatological pathology affecting the musculoskeletal system other than stroke (e.g., Polyneuropathy, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.), as well as those without diseases affecting balance (e.g., Parkinson's, Cerebral trauma, Meniere's disease, ear infection, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Multiple Sclerosis), and not using medications that disrupt balance, will be included in the study. Detailed medical histories will be obtained from all included patients and/or caregivers, and comprehensive musculoskeletal examinations will be conducted. Patient information, including name, surname, age, gender, occupation, education level, marital status, body mass index, duration of illness, stroke type, affected side, dominant side, and comorbidities, will be recorded.

All included patients in the study will be assessed by the same physician using the Functional Ambulation Scale, Community Integration Questionnaire , Mini-BESTest (Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test), balance assessment on the Hur Smart balance device, The Timed Up and Go Test , Tinetti Balance and Gait Test, Vas Kinesiophobia Scale., and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between the ages of 18 and 75 years old
• Having experienced post-stroke hemiplegia or hemiparesis
• Scoring at level 2 or above on the Functional Ambulation Classification
• Being willing to participate in the study and signing the consent forms"

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who cannot undergo mental evaluation, are unable to complete scales, are illiterate, or have aphasia
• Having major neurological or rheumatological pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal system other than stroke (Polyneuropathy, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.)
• Patients with diseases affecting balance (Parkinson's, Cerebral trauma, Meniere's disease, ear infections, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.)
• Patients using medications that may disrupt balance