Exploring the interplay: Kinesiophobia prevalence and its relationship with cognitive impairment following upper limb fractures

Context: Pain-related fear is more disabling than pain itself. Assessment of kinesiophobia should be practiced as a regular basis for any traumatic painful conditions. As upper limb fractures are most prevalent among all the other types of fractures, this study aims to assess the prevalence of kinesiophobia in posttraumatic upper limb conditions and its correlation with cognitive status. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of kinesiophobia in upper limb traumatic fractures and observe its correlation with cognitive status. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care hospital, and data were obtained from the orthopedics department of the hospital. Subjects and Methods: Three hundred (n = 300) patients with upper limb fractures were screened for kinesiophobia and cognitive impairment. Kinesiophobia was assessed using Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and cognition was assessed using Mini–Mental State Examination Scale. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were applied and frequency distribution in percentages to see the prevalence of kinesiophobia in upper limb fractures. Karl's Pearson's coefficient correlation test was applied to evaluate the correlation between cognitive status. Results: There is an inverse negative correlation between cognitive status and kinesiophobia (r = 0.06, P = 0.002). There was 58% of overall prevalence in upper limb fractures but the highest was observed in fractures of the shoulder complex which was 32%. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of kinesiophobia in upper limb fractures was high, however, it was highest in fractures of the shoulder complex with compound fractures. This study also concludes that reduced cognitive status leads to increased kinesiophobia.