Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

DOI

10.4085/1947-380X-25-006

Publication Title

Journal of Athletic Training Education and Practice

Volume

21

Issue

3

Pages

212-227

Abstract

Context

The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) is used to identify injury-related fear (IR-Fear) in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and is a predictor of poor health outcomes. Limited knowledge beyond quantitative scores necessitates a deeper, qualitative understanding of IR-Fear to reduce the burden of fear within CAI patients.

Objective

To explore the perceptions and experiences that influence IR-Fear within the CAI population.

Design

Consensual qualitative research.

Setting

Individual semistructured video conference interviews.

Patients or Other Participants

Nine participants with CAI were selected as a follow-up from a web-based questionnaire investigating the fear-avoidance model. Potential participants were contacted based on highest reported agreement with TSK-11 fear-belief statements.

Data Collection and Analysis

We conducted semistructured interviews via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications). Our research team used a consensual qualitative research data analysis process to create a consensual codebook. Multiple researchers, an external auditor, and member checks were used to ensure trustworthiness.

Results

We identified 2 major themes: (1) perceptions and influence of pain and IR-Fear and (2) assessment of their condition. Participants described individualized experiences and activities related to the cause of their pain and fear, severity and consequences of pain and injury, and adapting their activities due to their concerns for their ankle. Participants self-assessed their injuries, current condition, and care strategies. Participants described positive and negative interactions with others, including health care providers, coaches, family, and peers. Though participants shared how CAI affects their lives negatively, they all shared a generally positive outlook regarding their condition.

Conclusions

Individualized experiences shaped how IR-Fear affected activity behaviors and quality of life in individuals with CAI. Understanding these individualized aspects would be valuable for clinicians to choose appropriate strategies for reducing the burden of IR-Fear. Additionally, clinicians may find the TSK-11 a helpful discussion tool to understand these individual patient differences.

Rights

© National Athletic Trainers' Association 2025. All rights reserved.

Included with the kind written permission of the copyright holder.

ORCID

0000-0003-3171-9141 (Cavallario)

Original Publication Citation

Suttmiller, A. M. B., Cavallario, J. M., Baez, S. E., & McCann, R. S. (2025). Understanding injury-related fear in individuals with chronic ankle instability: A qualitative approach. Journal of Athletic Training Education and Practice, 21(3), 212-227. https://doi.org/10.4085/1947-380X-25-006

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