Comparison of Kinesiophobia, Upper Limb Function, and Grip Strength in Patients with Pacemakers and Coronary Artery Disease


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Ata B. N., Özçete Z. A., Ünal B., İNCE B.

Anatolian Journal of Cardiology, cilt.30, sa.9, ss.599-605, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 30 Sayı: 9
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.14744/anatoljcardiol.2026.5638
  • Dergi Adı: Anatolian Journal of Cardiology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.599-605
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac pacemaker, handgrip strength, kinesiophobia, musculoskeletal function, shoulder mobility
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: To compare kinesiophobia, shoulder range of motion (ROM), functional disability, and handgrip strength (HGS) between patients with cardiac pacemakers and those with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 60 individuals aged ≥50 years with preserved left ventricular systolic function, including 30 patients with standard left-sided cardiac pacemakers and 30 individuals with CAD. Kinesiophobia was assessed using the validated Turkish version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia–Heart (TSK-Heart). Shoulder ROM, HGS, and upper limb function [quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH)] were evaluated using standardized clinical protocols. Analysis of covariance was used for between-group comparisons. Results: The TSK-Heart scores were similar between the pacemaker and CAD groups, with no statistically significant difference (P=.061). Internal rotation of the left shoulder was significantly more limited in the pacemaker group (P=.031, Cohen's d=0.58). No significant differences were observed in other shoulder ROM parameters, QuickDASH scores, or HGS between the groups. Conclusion: Kinesiophobia levels were similarly elevated in patients with pacemakers and those with CAD, suggesting that fear of movement is a generalized phenomenon across chronic cardiac populations rather than a device-specific issue. The selective internal rotation limitation observed exclusively in pacemaker recipients highlights the importance of targeted musculoskeletal assessment during clinical follow-up. Recognition of such functional impairments, alongside awareness of elevated kinesiophobia, is critical for comprehensive patient management.