Introduction

Kinesiophobia is an important risk factor for physical activity and exercise restrictions. It is important to assess kinesiophobia and identify high-risk patients to help prevent sedentary behaviour and increase exercise participation among cardiac patients. Aim: To evaluate kinesiophobia and its association with physical performance, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), patients’ limitations and symptoms, and disease history in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Material and methods

Fifty-two patients diagnosed with CAD were enrolled in this study. Kinesiophobia was assessed with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia for Heart. The 5× Sit-to-Stand Test (5-STST), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) were used to assess physical performance. Patients’ limitations and symptoms and HRQOL were evaluated with the Cardiovascular Limitations and Symptoms Profile. CAD duration and history of myocardial infarction (MI) were also recorded.

Results

87.2% of the patients had high level of kinesiophobia, which was higher in patients with previous MI compared to patients without history of MI (p = 0.031). Kinesiophobia was positively correlated with 5-STST duration, TUGT duration, angina, shortness of breath, HRQOL, and CAD duration, and it was negatively correlated with 6-MWT distance (p < 0.05). According to regression analysis, only angina was a significant predictor for kinesiophobia (p = 0.014). Kinesiophobia was found to be a predictor of physical performance and HRQOL (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Levels of kinesiophobia are high in patients with CAD, especially in those with a history of MI. Angina is a predictor of kinesiophobia while kinesiophobia is a predictor of both physical performance and HRQOL in CAD patients.