Proposing an explanatory framework based on the fear-avoidance model: a mixed-methods analysis of kinesiophobia in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention in home-based cardiac rehabilitation - Report - MDSpire

Proposing an explanatory framework based on the fear-avoidance model: a mixed-methods analysis of kinesiophobia in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention in home-based cardiac rehabilitation

  • By

  • Li Sun

  • Chunlei Nie

  • Dandan Xu

  • Lan Wei

  • Weiwei Zong

  • Yanli Hu

  • Yuan Li

  • Xinyue Zhang

  • June 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Developing a Conceptual Framework Utilizing the Fear-Avoidance Model

Overview

This study identifies determinants of kinesiophobia in patients post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and proposes a conceptual framework based on the Fear-Avoidance Model. Key findings highlight the interplay of psychological factors that impede engagement in home-based cardiac rehabilitation.

Background

Kinesiophobia, or fear of movement, is a significant barrier to effective rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease. Understanding the factors that contribute to kinesiophobia is crucial, as it can adversely affect recovery outcomes and increase the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. This study addresses the need for effective strategies to mitigate kinesiophobia in the context of home-based cardiac rehabilitation.

Data Highlights

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Key Findings

  • Kinesiophobia affects 75.7% of CAD patients, correlating negatively with recovery outcomes.
  • Multiple factors, including living alone and urban residence, significantly predict kinesiophobia levels.
  • Clinical symptom severity and knowledge deficits are critical in sustaining fear and avoidance behaviors.
  • The study identifies four themes related to kinesiophobia: catastrophic interpretation of symptoms, knowledge deficits, symptom misinterpretation, and positive perception.
  • The proposed framework outlines pathways from fear origination to behavioral reinforcement through avoidance cycles.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should assess kinesiophobia in patients undergoing home-based cardiac rehabilitation to enhance adherence and outcomes. Addressing psychological barriers through education and supportive interventions may improve engagement and recovery in this population.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of understanding kinesiophobia in cardiac rehabilitation and provides a framework to address this psychological barrier. Effective management of kinesiophobia is essential for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes in patients post-PCI.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Latent profile analysis and influencing factors of kinesiophobia among young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease
  2. Hernia, 2024 -- Patients with ventral hernias exhibiting moderate to high levels of fear demonstrate poorer functional outcomes compared to those with minimal fear.
  3. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 2019 -- Preoperative Pain and Timing of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction as Key Predictors of Postoperative Kinesiophobia
  4. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- The effects of PERMA model-based positive psychological intervention on fear of disease progression and subjective well-being in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective cohort study
  5. JACC, 2023 -- 2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease
  6. Cochrane, 2023 -- Home-based versus supervised centre-based cardiac rehabilitation
  7. Trials, 2024 -- The effect of fear-avoidance intervention on kinesiophobia and self-efficacy in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: study protocol for a clinical randomized controlled trial
  8. 2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines | JACC
  9. Home-based versus supervised centre-based cardiac rehabilitation | Cochrane
  10. The effect of fear-avoidance intervention on kinesiophobia and self-efficacy in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: study protocol for a clinical randomized controlled trial | Trials | Full Text

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