Investigation of the Relationship of Kinesiophobia and Physical Activity Level with Dyspnea, Muscle Strength, and Proprioception in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship of kinesiophobia and physical activity level with dyspnea, peripheral muscle strength and proprioceptive acuity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and Methods: A total of 36 patients with COPD were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. The patients' demographics, kinesiophobia level, physical activity level, dyspnea severity, peripheral muscle strength, and proprioceptive level were recorded from the patient file. Results: According to the current results, kinesiophobia level showed a significant relationship with physical activity level and sitting time (p<0.05). Additionally, the patients' kinesiophobia level showed a moderate significant relationship with dyspnea severity, quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscle strength (p<0.05). In addition, the physical activity level showed a moderate to strong significant correlation with sitting time, dyspnea severity, proprioceptive level, and muscle strength (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dyspnea, peripheral muscle strength, and proprioceptive levels are important interrelated parameters that increase kinesiophobia and limit physical activity in COPD. Therefore, dyspnea, peripheral muscle strength, and proprioception should be evaluated within the scope of pulmonary rehabilitation from the early period, and therapeutic approaches aiming to minimize the effects of these symptoms should be included in the pulmonary rehabilitation program.