Kinesiophobia after lower limb injuries in male amateur football players: a mixed-methods study

Background Football is one of the most widely practiced sports worldwide and is associated with a high incidence of lower limb injuries. Such injuries may lead to kinesiophobia, a psychological factor that can negatively influence recovery and return to play. Aim To quantitatively assess levels of kinesiophobia and to qualitatively explore its impact on the experiences of amateur football players following lower limb injuries. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted with 109 male amateur football players who had sustained lower limb injuries. Kinesiophobia was measured using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). Semi‑structured interviews were then conducted with 27 participants, and data were analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Results The mean TSK-11 score was 24 ± 5.04, indicating notable levels of fear of movement within the sample. Higher scores were observed in bone and tendon injuries compared with other injury types. Qualitative analysis generated 271 codes, which were organised into four overarching themes: (1) psychological and emotional repercussions, (2) consequences for football performance, (3) perceptions of pain during rehabilitation, and (4) social and occupational impacts. Participants reported fear of reinjury, reduced confidence, altered playing behaviour, and significant psychosocial effects influencing daily life and well‑being. Conclusions Kinesiophobia appears to be associated not only with physical recovery but also with psychological and social dimensions among amateur football players following lower limb injuries. These findings highlight the need for a biopsychosocial and multidisciplinary approach to injury management to optimise rehabilitation and return‑to‑play processes.