Relationship between Kinesiophobia and Disability in Individuals with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction, which accounts for 15%–30% of all low back pain, can be caused due to multiple pathologies and can cause long-term disability because of fear of movement and result in chronic pain. The paucity of literature regarding the same in SIJ dysfunction warranted this study. Hence, this study aimed to assess the presence of kinesiophobia and determine if there exists a correlation between kinesiophobia and disability in individuals with SIJ dysfunction. Materials and Methods: After ethical clearance, participants were screened for SIJ dysfunction ( n = 22) from physiotherapy at the outpatient department of tertiary care hospitals, and assessment was taken; participants meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for the study ( n = 19). Outcome measures – Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and Oswestry were then administered. Results: Among 19 participants (male = 11 and female = 08), mean and standard deviation of TSK and Oswestry Scale were (39.95 ± 8.29) and (29.26 ± 16.73), respectively. A weak correlation ( r = 0.204) was observed between the two, which was not statistically significant ( P = 0.401). Conclusion: This study suggests that chronic pain may lead to a vicious cycle of fear of movement and avoidance of activities delaying the rehabilitation process. Psychological aspects of pain with conventional physiotherapy should be addressed in such patients.