Fear of Reinjury/Falling

Question 1

Define Kinesiophobia, what does it result in? (4)

Answer 1

fear of physical movement and activity resulting from a feeling of vulnerability to a painful injury or re-injury
– results in hesitation, holding back, submaximal effort and being overcautious of injury-provoking situations

Question 2

What are 3 points on kinesiophobia?

Answer 2

1. Specific to the context of injury
2. More common among people with chronic pain as opposed to acute injuries
3. Kinesiophobia has been strongly linked to catastrophizing and depression

Question 3

Define catastrophizing

Answer 3

refers to the tendency of an individual to emphasize the negative aspects of situations and exaggerate the importance or influence of these negative aspects on related outcomes
– typically self-induced
– can be caused by external factors, such as communications with one’s therapist or significant others

Question 4

What is a proposed intervention for Re-injurty/anxiety?

Answer 4

Relaxation techniques should reduce anxiety

Imagery should assist by diverting attention to an instrumental or motivational aspect of rehabiltation

Question 5

Cupal and Brewer (2001)

Answer 5

Tested the effectiveness of a relaxation and imagery intervention on 30 athletes that had underwent ACL surgery

– 10 individual sessions of relaxation and guided imagery across 6 months
– placebo controlled

– results demonstrated that all 3 groups had a reduction in injury-related anxiety, but the treatment group
– significantly greater decrease
– greater measures of strength
– less reported pain

Question 6

General Recommendations for Re-injury Anxiety (5)

Answer 6

1. Practice using activity simulated scenarios in the rehabilitation setting
2. Provide examples of people with similar characteristics that have returned to their activity without incident
3. Openly discuss their fears, and then address any myths or irrational thoughts that may undermine their confidence
4. Integrate the individual into designing coping strategies
5. Use of psychological skills, especially imagery combined with relaxation, to alleviate re-injury fears

Question 7

Define the fear of falling, what causes it and what is the result of having it?

Answer 7

lack of confidence an individual has in their ability to safely carry out basic activities of daily living without falling as a result of physiological, psychosocial, medical and environmental factors

Resulting in avoidance of activity, loss of independence and decreased quality of life

Question 8

General Recommendations for Fear of Falling (4)

Answer 8

1. Someone doesn’t have to fall to develop fear of falling
2. People who have a fear of falling are likely to experience serious negative consequences
3. Balance activities and strengthening activities appear to be most effective
4. Cultivate an environment that promotes safe activity