Role of kinesiophobia in the selective motor control during gait in patients with low back-related leg pain

Fear of movement has been related to changes in motor function in patients with low back pain, but little is known about how kinesiophobia affects selective motor control during gait (ability of muscles performing distinct mechanical functions) in patients with low back-related leg pain (LBLP). The aim of the study was to determine the association between kinesiophobia and selective motor control in patients with LBLP. An observational cross-sectional study was performed on 18 patients. Outcome included: kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia; pain mechanism using Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms; disability using Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire; mechanosensitivity using Straight Leg Raise. Surface electromyography was used to assess selective motor control during gait by examining the correlation and coactivation in muscle pairs involved in the stance phase. Pairs included vastus medialis (VM) and medial gastrocnemius (MG), causing opposite moments around the knee joint, and gluteus medius (GM) and MG, as muscles with distinct mechanical functions (weight acceptance vs. propulsion). A strong association was observed between kinesiophobia and correlation (r = 0.63; p = 0.005) and coactivation (r = 0.69; p = 0.001) between VM versus MG. A moderate association was observed between kinesiophobia and correlation (r = 0.58; p = 0.011) and coactivation (r = 0.55; p = 0.019) between GM versus MG. No significant associations were obtained for other outcomes. A high kinesiophobia is associated with low selective motor control of the muscles involved in the weight acceptance and propulsion phases during gait in patients with LBLP. Fear of movement was better associated with decreased neuromuscular control than other clinical variables such as pain mechanism, disability, and mechanosensitivity.