Influence of Kinesiophobia on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease　― Protocol for Systematic Review ―

Background: Recent studies indicate a high prevalence of kinesiophobia among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the impact of kinesiophobia on rehabilitation outcomes. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive summary and synthesis of the extant evidence regarding the impact of kinesiophobia on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with CVD. Methods and Results: This systematic review will adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. This systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 8 February, 2025 (Registration no. CRD42025623535). Electronic searches will be performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL electronic databases, with a date range from the start date to January 2025. The study designs were observational, encompassing cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional studies. Narrative reviews, editorials, clinical guidelines and conference abstracts will be excluded. We will consider articles that are published in English. In addition, only officially published papers are included and grey literature is excluded from the review. The specific outcomes of interest include physical function, activities of daily living, physical activity, and quality of life. Conclusions: This systematic review will provide comprehensive evidence on the relationship between kinesiophobia and rehabilitation outcomes in patients with CVD.