Fear of Movement

The study proposed fear of movement and activity avoidance as plausible mechanisms linking pre-TAVR syncope to later inactivity, but did not directly measure these variables. Syncope events during exertion may cause patients to associate physical activity with risk of recurrent syncope, worsening heart function, or adverse outcomes. Kinesiophobia has been identified in cardiovascular rehabilitation literature as a barrier to activity participation and rehabilitation. Fear of falling has been shown to lead to activity avoidance and long-term negative effects on physical ability.