Journal CME July 2025, Efficacy of conservative intervention for kinesiophobia in individuals with a history of ankle sprain: A systematic review-PM R - 2025 - Kobayashi - Efficacy of conservative intervention for kinesiophobia in individuals with a history of ankle

PM R - 2025 - Kobayashi - Efficacy of conservative intervention for kinesiophobia in individuals with a history of ankle

Back to course

Pdf Summary

The systematic review conducted by Takumi Kobayashi and Yuta Koshino investigates the efficacy of conservative interventions on kinesiophobia among individuals with a history of lateral ankle sprains. Kinesiophobia, a fear-avoidance belief about exercise, can hinder recovery post-ankle sprain, affecting individuals' confidence in physical activity.<br /><br />The authors systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from databases like PubMed and Cochrane Library focusing on conservative intervention effects, excluding surgical and pharmacological treatments. Out of the selected studies, five RCTs involving transcranial direct current stimulation, joint mobilization, balance, and strength training, biofeedback during multimodal training, and low-friction patches were analyzed. These studies measured kinesiophobia using tools like the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11).<br /><br />The review found limited evidence, but suggests that visual biofeedback during walking and low-friction patches on shoes could potentially reduce kinesiophobia more effectively than other methods evaluated. However, the interventions varied significantly across studies, and a meta-analysis wasn't feasible due to these differences. The review points to the need for more research focusing on sensory-perceptual impairment approaches in treating CAI and kinesiophobia.<br /><br />The authors acknowledge limitations like potential bias, varied intervention types, and the inability to determine clinically meaningful changes across the board. The review concludes calling for more RCTs to confirm effective interventions for reducing kinesiophobia, which could aid individuals with a history of ankle sprains in resuming sports and physical activities confidently.<br /><br />This review is useful for healthcare professionals focusing on rehabilitation strategies for ankle sprains and highlights the importance of psychological factors, like fear of re-injury, in the recovery process.

Keywords

kinesiophobia

lateral ankle sprains

conservative interventions

randomized controlled trials

visual biofeedback

Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia

transcranial direct current stimulation

balance and strength training

rehabilitation strategies

fear of re-injury