Association Between Fear of Pain and Sports-Related Concussion Recovery in a Pediatric Population

Abstract

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More Physical Activity Is Correlated With Reduction in Kinesiophobia for Adolescents With Persistent Symptoms After Concussion

“…[8][9][10][11] The relationship between PA and kinesiophobia during concussion recovery remains unexplored, yet examining this relationship may provide useful insight into another factor potentially affecting recovery trajectories. Due to the interdependence of kinesiophobia, PA, and time to concussion symptom resolution identified in previous research, 13,16,17 it is unknown how the continued presence of symptoms (ie, persistent symptoms after concussion) may influence the relationship between PA and kinesiophobia in the current study. Therefore, our purpose was to examine the correlation between PA and change in kinesiophobia between initial evaluation and RTP clearance among adolescents who did and did not experience persistent symptoms.…”

“…16 Kinesiophobia after concussion is also associated with persistent symptoms and impaired reaction time. 17,18 Independent of concussion, athletes with high kinesiophobia ratings after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury were 4 times more likely to report lower PA levels upon return to play (RTP) compared with those with low kinesiophobia ratings. 13 It is possible that a similar kinesiophobia and PA relationship exists after concussion, which is helpful to understand given the importance of PA for concussion recovery.…”