Overcoming fear of movement resulting from knee replacement: Strategies used by patients –An interview study

Abstract Background and aims Fear of movement is among the main concerns of patients following knee replacement surgery and a determining factor in the success of surgery. The strategies adopted by patients to overcome this fear have not yet been identified, but once pinned down, these strategies can be strengthened and modified by some measures. The aim of the present study was to explore the personal strategies adopted by patients following knee replacement to overcome fear of movement. Materials and methods Interviews were conducted on 15 patients with knee replacement who were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results The patients’ strategies as depicted in their narratives were classified into three categories: Movement based on awareness, movement based on support, and movement based on hope. These three categories are described in eight subcategories and show what strategies the patients have used to overcome their fear of movement. Conclusion These results can help increase awareness about strategies to overcome of fear of movement in patients with knee replacement and to develop and assess tailored treatment strategies with the aim of reducing this fear of movement and increasing physical activity among the patients.