Limited hip rotational range of motion is associated with kinesiophobia in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: an exploratory study

The severity of acetabular cartilage or labral injuries does not always correspond with clinical symptoms. This observational, cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between kinesiophobia levels and clinical findings in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Twenty-two individuals with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (12 females, 10 males; aged 18–65 years) were included in the study. Radiographic assessments comprised the alpha and lateral center-edge angle. Kinesiophobia was assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), pain intensity with the Visual Analog Scale, and pressure pain threshold using an algometer. Hip range of motion was measured using the Clinometer mobile application, hip function with the Harris Hip Score, and lower-extremity functional performance. A statistically significant inverse relationship was observed between kinesiophobia levels and hip external rotation ( r = − 0.567, p = 0.006) and internal rotation range of motion ( r = -0.567, p = 0.027). Kinesiophobia levels were also significantly associated with the Harris Hip Score ( r = -0.527, p = 0.012). However, no statistically significant associations were observed between kinesiophobia levels and either the lateral center-edge angle ( r = − 0.063, p = 0.824) or the alpha angle ( r = 0.317, p = 0.150). In this exploratory sample, higher kinesiophobia was associated with lower hip rotational range of motion and poorer hip-related functional status, whereas no statistically significant associations were observed between kinesiophobia and the radiographic measures assessed. These findings should be considered preliminary. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06193434. Registered on December 28, 2023 (first posted on January 10, 2024), prior to the commencement of participant recruitment on February 6, 2024.