Correlation between Dyspnea-Related Kinesiophobia and Activity Limitation in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Introduction: Dyspnea or shortness of breath is one of the cardinal features of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). It is a subjective symptom, frequently influenced by the state of mind of the patient. Kinesiophobia, excessive, irrational fear of physical movement due to dyspnea, often prevents patients from performing activities of daily living leading to physical deconditioning. The identification of relationship of dyspnea-related kinesiophobia and activity limitation can help guide patient management to improve quality of life, physical independence, and prevent physical deconditioning. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted using convenience sampling at a tertiary care hospital on 18–60-year-old patients with CRDs with dyspnea. Breathlessness Belief Questionnaire (BBQ) was used to evaluate dyspnea-related kinesiophobia. Activity limitation was assessed using Dyspnea Barthel Index (DBI). The scores of both scales were calculated, and the correlation between dyspnea related kinesiophobia and activity limitations was obtained using the Spearman's correlation. Results: Sixty subjects, 23 females and 37 males, were recruited. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age of the patients was 48.9 ± 12.5 years. Mean ± SD scores of BBQ were 58.4 ± 4.5. The mean score for DBI was 21.5 ± 2.12, and the average duration of the disease was 2 ± 0.707 years. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between BBQ and DBI obtained was ρ = 0.712 with a P < 0.001. Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between dyspnea-related kinesiophobia and activity limitation in patients with CRDs.