Kinesiophobia and Functional Outcomes in Hand Injuries

Hand and forearm injuries are among the most common traumatic injuries and may result in substantial functional limitations, reduced work capacity, and decreased quality of life. Despite advances in surgical repair techniques, recovery outcomes vary considerably among individuals with similar injury characteristics. Psychological factors, particularly fear of movement or reinjury (kinesiophobia), may influence rehabilitation participation and functional recovery after injury. The aim of this prospective observational study is to investigate the relationship between early kinesiophobia levels and functional outcomes in adults who undergo surgical treatment for traumatic hand or forearm lacerations. Kinesiophobia will be assessed during the acute post-injury period (within 1-5 days after injury) using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Injury severity will be evaluated using the Modified Hand Injury Severity Classification (MHISC/MEYCS). Participants will be followed for 12 weeks after injury. Functional recovery will be assessed at the 8th week using the Buck-Gramcko Score and the Sollerman Hand Function Test, and at the 12th week using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and hand grip strength measurements. The study will examine whether higher levels of early kinesiophobia are associated with greater injury severity and poorer functional recovery. Findings from this study may help identify patients at risk for delayed recovery and support the development of early rehabilitation strategies targeting psychological as well as physical aspects of hand injury recovery.