Investigation of the relationship between dynamic balance, dynamic plantar pressure distribution, kinesiophobia, and physical function parameters in patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscus repair

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dynamic balance, dynamic plantar pressure distribution, kinesiophobia, and physical function parameters in patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscus repair. The cross-sectional and observational study was conducted at Istanbul Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital with a total of 54 participants, 21 female (38.9%) and 33 male (61.9%), with a mean age of 32.39 years and a postoperative period of 6-24 months.. Participants included individuals aged 20 to 50 years who had undergone isolated arthroscopic meniscus repair, participated in a standard rehabilitation program, were cooperative during evaluations, and had no neurological, systemic, or orthopedic conditions that could affect balance. Exclusion criteria included a history of additional knee surgery or injury, mechanical disorders in the lower extremity, cognitive impairment, or lack of rehabilitation. Data collection tools included the Y Balance Test (YBT), Footwork Pedobarographic Analysis, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Tegner Activity Scale, and Lysholm Knee Score. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0, and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. According to the findings, a statistically significant, positive, and weak correlation was found between the posterolateral direction scores of the YBT on the operated side and both the Tegner Activity Scale (r=0.242; p=0.044) and Lysholm Knee Score (r=0.263; p=0.031); and a negative and weak statistically significant correlation was found with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Score (r=−0.234; p=0.049) (p<0.05). A statistically significant, positive, and weak correlation was found between the total YDT score on the operated side and the Tegner score (r=0.239; p=0.046), and the Lysholm score (r=0.244; p=0.042), and a negative, weak correlation was found with the Tampa score (r=-0.246; p=0.041) (p<0.05). No statistically significant relationship was found between dynamic plantar pressure distribution parameters and physical function or kinesiophobia (p>0.05). The Tampa Kinesiophobia Score demonstrated a statistically significant, negative, and strong correlation with both the Tegner (r=−0.971; p=0.000) and Lysholm (r=−0.919; p=0.000) scores. In conclusion, physical function plays a critical role in dynamic balance and kinesiophobia in patients who have undergone meniscus repair surgery. However, it is not directly related to dynamic plantar pressure distribution. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating multidimensional balance training and psychological support programs in rehabilitation after meniscus repair.