The relationship between joint health, kinesiophobia, physical activity level, and functional capacity in hemophilia patients: a case-control study

Objective: The objective of this research was twofold: to compare the physical activity levels and functional capacity of patients with hemophilia A to healthy individuals and to determine the interrelationships among joint health, kinesiophobia, physical activity, and functional capacity.

Methods: In the case-control study, 15 hemophilia A patients with a median age of 36 years (interquartile range (IQR), 27-48) and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers with a median age of 30 years (IQR, 27-41) were examined. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form and a 6-minute walk test were administered to both groups. The Hemophilia Joint Health Score and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale score were recorded in the hemophilia group.

Results: While there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of total physical activity level (P = .902), hemophilia patients exhibited a lower 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) than healthy controls (P < .001). The median Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia score for the hemophilia patient group was 41 (IQR, 33-45), with 73.3% (n = 11) exhibiting a high degree of kinesiophobia. A negative correlation was observed between the 6MWD and age in hemophilia patients. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between kinesiophobia and Hemophilia Joint Health Score, physical activity level, or 6MWD.

Conclusion: Kinesiophobia is common in adults with hemophilia. Although they engage in similar physical activities as their peers, their decreased functional capacity is related to demographic characteristics such as age, not clinical characteristics such as pain intensity, joint health, or kinesiophobia. The results of this study may help identify the rehabilitation needs of hemophilia patients and factors that may influence the design and implementation of exercise programs for this population.

Cite this article as: Özdemir H, Tuna F, Sezer T, et al. The relationship between joint health, kinesiophobia, physical activity level, and functional capacity in hemophilia patients: A case-control study. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2026, 60 (1), 0566, doi: 10.5152/j.aott.2026.25566