The relationship between kinesiophobia and physical activity levels, gestational weight gain, and musculoskeletal pain in pregnant women

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of kinesiophobia on musculoskeletal pain, physical activity levels, and gestational weight gain in pregnant women. One hundred and sixty-three pregnant women participated in the study by completing a personal characteristics information form along with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The results showed a weak negative correlation between total physical activity scores and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores (p = .005). Excessive gestational weight gain was associated with a 1.27-fold increase in kinesiophobia and a 1.16-fold increase in musculoskeletal pain compared to adequate weight gain (p < .001). Those with musculoskeletal pain had significantly higher kinesiophobia scores than those without musculoskeletal pain (p = .012). In the pregnant women in this study, an increase in kinesiophobia was associated with a decrease in physical activity. Sedentary and light-intensity activities prevailed among the pregnant women in the study. Musculoskeletal pain and kinesiophobia were associated with excessive weight gain, and those with pain had higher levels of kinesiophobia. Therefore, during pregnancy follow-ups, health professionals should evaluate pregnant women for kinesiophobia, pain, physical activity status, and weight gain.