Is kinesiophobia associated with functional outcome measures in patients following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction?

Background: This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between kinesiophobia and functional outcomes in patients following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr). Methods: Twenty-one patients (six males, 15 females) who underwent MPFLr between 2016 and 2020, (23.57 ± 9.49 years old) with a mean follow up period of 52.33 ± 24.82 months were included in the study. Following an assessment of patellar stability and alignment, kinesiophobia levels, function and balance were measured. The kinesiophobia was measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, while functional outcomes were assessed with the single-leg hop test, Y-Balance test and single-leg sway index. The self-reported function was measured by Kujala patellofemoral score and Lysholm knee score. Results: The patients exhibited kinesiophobia scores of 43.10 ± 6.90. A negative correlation existed between kinesiophobia and both the Kujala scores (r = −0.75, P < 0.001) and the Lysholm scores (r = −0.79, P < 0.001). Moderate negative correlations were observed between kinesiophobia and the single-leg hop distance (r = −0.64, P < 0.01), as well as in Y-Balance test anterior reach distance (r = −0.51, P < 0.01) and posterolateral reach distance (r = −0.55, P < 0.01). Additionally, a low negative correlation was noted between kinesiophobia and Y-Balance test posteromedial reach distances (r = −0.43, P = 0.05), as well as the total sway index (r = −0.46, P = 0.04). Conclusions: A high level of kinesiophobia was strongly correlated with self-reported functional scores and moderately correlated with measured functional outcomes. The findings underscore a notable prevalence of kinesiophobia following biomechanically successful MPFLr. Investigating the impact of kinesiophobia on outcomes after MPFLr may provide a better understanding of patient recovery.