ANÁLISE DO CONHECIMENTO DE ESTUDANTES DO CURSO DE FISIOTERAPIA SOBRE CINESIOFOBIA E ESCALA TAMPA

Abstract

Introduction: Kinesiophobia is defined as an exaggerated, unthinking fear that impairs and alters the correct execution of a movement in an attempt to avoid pain, which may lead to significant clinical implications. Objective: To verify physical therapy students’ knowledge about Kinesiophobia and the Tampa Scale. Methods: The study was cross-sectional descriptive. The sample consisted of 124 students. The Anamnesis and Characterization Form and the research questionnaire on Kinesiophobia and Tampa Scale were used, sent by e-mail, with a link to the forms. Results: Descriptive statistical treatment and chi-square test. Mean age 22.69 (± 5.66) years, (13.7%) were attending the eighth period, (63.7%) did not know the term Kinesiophobia and (97.6%) portrayed it by the word fear. Those who did know it reported theoretical (14.9%) and practical (11.9%) classes. As a reason for not knowing the term, the students cited being in the first year of graduation (15.3%). They had not heard about the Tampa Scale (88.7%) and did not use it (97.6%). They did not know the aspects of the Scale (92.7%), they did not feel prepared to use it (80.6%). Of the sample, (92.7%) were interested in learning about the Tampa Scale. The phrases that students encountered most during graduation were “I am afraid of getting hurt if I exercise” (15.8%), “I am afraid that I might accidentally hurt myself” (9.9%), and “The pain tells me when to stop the exercise, so I don’t hurt myself” (9.1%). Conclusion: Most students had not heard of Kinesiophobia and the Tampa Scale and had not used them either. The reason for the unfamiliarity was that the students were in the first years of University graduate.