Factors influencing kinesiophobia after radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study

Background Kinesiophobia is a significant psychological factor that affects early ambulation in postoperative patients. It is particularly common after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Nonetheless, few studies comprehensively or systematically explore how physical, psychological, and disease-related objective factors predict kinesiophobia. Objective The primary aim of this study is to examine the level of kinesiophobia and its contributing factors among patients following radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. This research aims to provide clinical evidence for the development of targeted intervention strategies to reduce motor phobia. These strategies aim to boost patients’ motivation and adherence to early physical activity, ultimately improving cardiac health post-surgery. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted, assessing patients using questionnaires, including the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart, Self-efficacy for exercise Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Fried Frailty Phenotype Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Patients’ Health Questionnaire Depression Scale, Physiological indicators related to atrial fibrillation, and echocardiographic examinations. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate the factors influencing kinesiophobia. The difference was considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results The study included 356 patients. Multiple linear regression analysis identified the following influencing factors: frailty (β = 0.168: 95% CI, 0.606 ~ 1.375), LAD (β = 0.048: 95% CI, 0.007 ~ 0.077), LVEF (β = −0.117: 95% CI, −0.124 ~ −0.057), past history of stroke (β = 0.178: 95% CI, 1.919–4.126), combined heart failure (β = 0.182: 95% CI, 1.549–3.283), EHRA symptom classification (β = 0.121: 95% CI, 0.575–1.340), disease course (β = 0.075: 95% CI, 0.272–0.965), disease recurrences (β = 0.062: 95% CI, 0.023–1.843), perceived social support (β = −0.309: 95% CI, −0.225 ~ −0.137), and GAD-7 (β = 0.443: 95% CI, 0.651–0.939). These factors significantly influenced kinesiophobia in patients after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation ( p < 0.05). They accounted for 86.4% of the total variance in kinesiophobia. Conclusion Multiple factors influence kinesiophobia in patients after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Healthcare providers should prioritize risk assessment and individualized rehabilitation plans while fostering a support system that includes psychological care, family, and social resources to reduce kinesiophobia and support a safe resumption of daily activities.