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The following is a summary of “Relationship between comorbidities, physical inactivity, kinesiophobia and physical performance in hypertensive individuals: a cross-sectional study,” published in the April 2025 issue of BMC Cardiovascular Disorders by Benli et al. 

Hypertension is a widespread chronic condition often complicated by comorbidities that negatively influence overall health outcomes. In individuals with hypertension, the presence of comorbid conditions may contribute to reduced physical activity, increased fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and impaired physical performance. This study aimed to evaluate the associations among Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores, levels of kinesiophobia, physical activity, and physical performance in a hypertensive population.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 186 hypertensive participants aged 40 years and older. Comorbidities were assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Physical activity levels were measured through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), while kinesiophobia was evaluated using the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS). Physical performance was objectively assessed through the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (STS-30) and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FT-STS). Relationships among the variables were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficients.

Among the participants, 88.7% demonstrated kinesiophobia, and 93.5% were classified as physically inactive. In physically inactive individuals, a weak but statistically significant positive correlation was identified between CCI scores and TKS scores (r = 0.239, p = 0.002), suggesting that a higher comorbidity burden is associated with greater fear of movement. 

Additionally, CCI scores were weakly but negatively correlated with STS-30 performance (r = -0.264, p = 0.001), indicating that greater comorbidity burden was associated with reduced lower body strength and endurance. A weak positive correlation was observed between CCI and FT-STS times (r = 0.227, p = 0.005), suggesting poorer functional mobility with increased comorbidity. Furthermore, a weak negative correlation was found between IPAQ-SF scores and CCI (r = -0.184, p = 0.020) among inactive participants, indicating lower physical activity levels with higher comorbidity burden. Notably, no significant correlations were detected among physically active individuals. The effect sizes for these correlations were small to moderate, reflecting a measurable but limited impact of comorbidities on physical inactivity and kinesiophobia.

In conclusion, comorbidities, as measured by the CCI, were significantly associated with higher levels of kinesiophobia and diminished physical performance in physically inactive individuals with hypertension. These findings underscore the importance of implementing patient-centered interventions aimed at managing comorbid conditions, reducing kinesiophobia, and promoting physical activity to improve functional outcomes in this population.

Source: bmccardiovascdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12872-025-04733-5