NEED OF STUDY

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a significant public health concern in India, where its prevalence is increasing due to a rise in life expectancy, sedentary lifestyles and obesity. Despite advancements in treatment, persistent pain, reduced joint function, and fear of movement often hinder rehabilitation outcomes. Compared to the western population, there is a diverse ethnic, racial and cultural background in the Indian population, which may influence pain perception and kinesiophobia differently. Investigating these factors can help in developing culturally relevant interventions. 

While studies on pain intensity and functional performance exist, there is a lack of data on the impact of kinesiophobia on joint position sense and movement especially in Indian individuals with unilateral knee OA.  Identifying the relationship between kinesiophobia and functional performance can help physiotherapists design more effective treatment protocols to improve mobility and reduce fear-related disability.

The correlation between kinesiophobia, knee pain intensity, joint position sense, and functional performance remain underexplored in the Indian population. Understanding this relationship is crucial for addressing the multidimensional nature of the disease and bridging gaps in rehabilitation strategies, tailored to Indian patients, who often have unique socio-cultural and environmental influences on their physical activity levels and pain management approaches. It will contribute to healthcare policies by emphasizing the need for psychological assessments and movement-based therapies alongside traditional OA management strategies, leading to better clinical outcomes and improved quality of life.

AIM

To determine the correlation of kinesiophobia with knee pain intensity, joint position sense and functional performance in individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES

1) To assess kinesiophobia in individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis.

2) To assess pain intensity in affected knee joint in individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis.

3) To assess knee joint position sense in individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis.

4) To assess the functional performance in individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis. 

5) To determine the correlation of kinesiophobia with knee pain intensity, joint position sense and functional performance in individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis.

PROCEDURE

Permission from the Departmental Review Board and the Institutional Ethics Committee was sought.

Participants will be enrolled in the study depending on the selection criteria and willingness to participate in the study.

Written informed consent will be taken from the participants.

Participants will be given an information sheet to know the details of the study procedure.

Case record form with demographic details will be filled.

Knee pain intensity will be assessed by Visual Analogue scale, Kinesiophobia by using the TAMPA scale of Kinesiophobia -11 scale, knee joint position sense by using universal goniometer in 30°, 45°, 60° of knee flexion in sitting position and functional performance by using 30s chair stand test and 40m fast paced walk test.

Data will be collected and analyzed.

DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS PROCEDURE

All the data obtained from the participants will be kept confidential. The data will be tabulated and stored in Excel sheets for analysis.

Plan for statistical analysis are as follows:

1.     Descriptive statistics will be used to describe participant’s demographic data.

2.     Data will be tested for normality.

3.     If the data passes the normality test, Parametric - Pearson’s correlation test will be used for data analysis.

4.     If the data do not pass the normality test, Non-parametric - Spearman’s correlation test will be used.