Factors Influencing Kinesiophobia in Patients After Ischemic Stroke Stent Placement: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background: Stroke includes both ischemic and hemorrhagic subtypes. Patients may undergo intracranial stent placement to enhance cerebral perfusion and decrease recurrence risk. Currently, research on kinesiophobia in ischemic stroke patients is limited, and understanding of kinesiophobia following stent placement remains in the exploratory stage. Aim: To investigate the theoretical factors influencing kinesiophobia in patients after ischemic stroke stent placement. Study Design: This study followed the STROBE reporting guidelines, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 215 patients who underwent ischemic stroke stent placement at a tertiary hospital in Wuhan between January and December 2023. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing kinesiophobia. For the qualitative study, 14 patients with TSK scores >37 were selected, and their interview data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Gender, residence, educational level, monthly per capita household income, number of comorbidities, postoperative days, ability to perform activities of daily living, exercise self-efficacy, and medical coping styles were identified as significant factors influencing kinesiophobia after ischemic stroke stent placement (p < 0.05). Three themes emerged from patients' experiences of kinesiophobia: lack of awareness of exercise rehabilitation, insufficient social support, and misconceptions about medical coping strategies. Conclusion: Kinesiophobia in ischemic stroke patients post-stent placement is influenced by individual, psychological, and social factors. Healthcare professionals should focus on enhancing exercise self-efficacy, improving social support, and addressing misconceptions to overcome kinesiophobia and promote recovery. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study highlights the importance of early identification and intervention for kinesiophobia in ischemic stroke patients post-stent placement. Factors like age, comorbidities, and psychosocial influences are known to affect post-stroke exercise behaviors. Integrating social support and exercise self-efficacy training into clinical practice can enhance rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for these patients.