Abstract

Background: Research indicates that postmenopausal women experiencing more severe menopausal symptoms are at a greater risk of developing chronic back pain. Research has indicated that fluctuations in female sex hormones significantly influence the development and progression of various degenerative musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, kinesiophobia, the fear of experiencing pain or reinjuring oneself during physical activity, is a critical component in understanding and addressing disability. To ensure effective treatment outcomes, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the relationship between hormonal changes and movement-related fear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether kinesiophobia can predict pain and disability levels in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Additionally, this study aimed to examine the relationships between kinesiophobia and pain as well as between kinesiophobia and disability within this specific population. Study design: Observational study Methodology: This study included 110 postmenopausal women with CLBP aged up to 65 years. The pain intensity range was measured using a Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Kinesiophobia was measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-Gujarati. Disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index-Gujarati. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and a linear regression model. Results: The results demonstrated a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between kinesiophobia and pain intensity (r = 0.447, p < 0.05) and between kinesiophobia and disability (r = 0.565, p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed that kinesiophobia was a significant predictor of both pain and disability, explaining 19.9% of the variance in pain (R² = 0.199) and 31.9% of the variance in disability (R² = 0.319) in the study population. Conclusion: Kinesiophobia demonstrated moderate positive correlations with pain and disability, serving as a significant predictor in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain. These findings suggest that assessing and addressing kinesiophobia is an integral component of CLBP management in this population

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