Introduction

The aim of this exploratory study was to preliminarily assess the association between kinesiophobia and the level of physical activity in individuals with selected neurological diseases.

Material and methods

Eighty-seven individuals participated. The study group consisted of 40 patients from a Specialist Neurological Clinic: 10 post-stroke, 10 with Parkinson’s disease, 10 with multiple sclerosis (MS), and 10 with lumbosacral spondylosis. The control group comprised 47 healthy individuals. Participants completed 10 sociodemographic questions, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) assessing chronic pain intensity, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and the Modified Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results

Neurological patients showed a significantly elevated level of kinesiophobia (M = 45.5, SD = 6.44), with the highest mean observed among patients with MS (M = 47.8, SD = 4.54). In this group, the Modified Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire recorded the lowest mean value of 8.65 (SD = 1.11). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) for the relationship between the TSK and Baecke questionnaire scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05) exclusively in the patients with lumbosacral spondylosis, indicating a strong negative correlation (r = –0.6951).

Conclusions

Preliminary results suggest that the level of kinesiophobia is higher in individuals with neurological disorders compared to healthy individuals, and patients with MS may exhibit the greatest tendency for fear of movement. A strong relationship was observed between high kinesiophobia and reduced physical activity in patients with lumbosacral spondylosis.