Investigating the relationship between psychological factors (fear of movement and pain catastrophizing) and the functional performance of athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints accounting for 20–40% of knee problems in adults and active young people. Individuals with PFPS may suffer from anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, and fear-related pain. Therefore, a deep understanding of the relationship between psychological factors and functional impairment in these people may improve the choice of treatment strategies and help prevent this disorder from becoming a chronic condition. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between psychological factors (fear of movement and pain catastrophizing) and the functional performance of athletes with PFPS. Methods Sixty-one male athletes with an average age of 18 to 45 years and a history of PFPS for more than 3 months voluntarily participated in this study. At first, the participants completed the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Then, their function was tested using the Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (KPS) and the tests of step down, bilateral squat, single-leg hop, modified star excursion balance test, and side hop test. Results The results of our study showed that all examined functional tests have a weak correlation with the score of TSK and PCS. However, the score of KPS had a strong to moderate correlation with the scores of TSK and PCS. Discussion In this study, psychological factors had a significant relationship with functional test results and the self-reported functional measure. Therefore, according to the results of this study, therapists are advised to adopt approaches that consider psychological factors, such as the biopsychosocial approach, in managing the treatment of people with PFPS.