Investigation of the Relationship Between Kinesiophobia, Foot and Ankle Function and Physical Activity of Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are common in athletes and 40% lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI). CAI is characterised by recurrent sprains and limitation of motion. Our study investigated the relationship between kinesiophobia, foot-ankle function, and physical activity in athletes with chronic ankle instability. In our study, 112 individuals with CAI who have been doing regular sports for at least 5 years were included. Tampa kinesiophobia test, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Version) were administered to the included individuals via Google form. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26.0 (SPSS inc, Chicago, IL, USA) was used. Pearson's test analysis was used in the study, and statistical significance was taken as p ≤ 0.05 for all measurements in two directions. 115 participants (75 males and 40 females) were included in the study. The participants were 20.43±3.921(years) years old, 176.14±9.288(cm) tall, and 67.88±11.571(kg) weight. In addition, the subjects' International Physical Activity Score (Short Version) showed that 34 were inactive, 54 were minimally active, and 27 were very active. There was a moderate negative correlation between the Tampa Kinesiophobia score and FAAM sport and DLA subscores (p<.001). Individuals with increased kinesiophobia scores had decreased Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scores. According to the studies, studies on foot and ankle range of motion, position perception, and balance in individuals with CAI may decrease kinesiophobia.