The effect of kinesiophobia on risk of falling and its relationship with disease parameters in the patients with axial spondyloarthritis

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effect of kinesiophobia on the risk of falling in patients with axial spondyloarthritis. The secondary aim is to evaluate the relationship between kinesiophobia and patients' pain, spinal mobility, disease activity, functional status, quality of life, physical activity level, and anxiety and depression levels. Two hundred patients, who were followed with the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis according to ASAS criteria, were included in the study. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and smoking habits of the patients were recorded. The kinesiophobia level of the patients was evaluated with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS). Berg Balance Scale was used to determine the risk of falling of the patients. Additionally, the history of falls and fractures from the time of diagnosis till present was recorded. Patients' pain level was evaluated according to Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), spinal mobility according to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), physical activity level according to International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (UFAA), disease activity according to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), functional status according to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), quality of life according to Ankylosing Spondylitis Specific Quality of Life Scale (ASQoL), depression level according to Beck Depression Scale (BDI), and anxiety level according to Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). High-level kinesiophobia (TKS>37) was detected in 76.5% of the patients. Although level of kinesiophobia has significant negative correlation in between Berg Balance Scale score, no correlation was observed in between history of falling and fracture. And although level of kinesiophobia has significant positive correlation in between NRS, BASMI, BASDAI, BASFI, ASQoL, BAI and BDI scores, no correlation was observed in between UFAA. In conclusion, our study showed that even though kinesiophobia does not have a direct effect on risk of falling, it has a relationship with balance disorder. In addition, it has been observed that kinesiophobia has relationship with pain, spinal mobility, disease activity, functional status, quality of life, anxiety and depression level. Keywords: Axial SpA, kinesiophobia, risk of falling