The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia: further examination of psychometric properties in patients with chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia

Eur J Pain. 2004 Oct;8(5):495-502. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2003.11.016.

Abstract

The present study attempted to replicate the robustness of a two-factor model of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients and fibromyalgia patients, by means of confirmatory factor analysis. Construct and predictive validity of the TSK subscales were also examined. Results clearly indicated that a two-factor model fitted best in both pain samples. These two factors were labelled somatic focus, which reflects the belief in underlying and serious medical problems, and activity avoidance, which reflects the belief that activity may result in (re)injury or increased pain. Construct validity of the TSK and its subscales was supported by moderate correlation coefficients with self-report measures of pain-related fear, pain catastrophising, and disability, predominantly in patients with CLBP. Predictive validity was supported by moderate correlation coefficients with performance on physical performance tests (i.e., lifting tasks, bicycle task) mainly in CLBP patients. Implications of the results are discussed and directions for future research are provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Fear / physiology
  • Female
  • Fibromyalgia / complications
  • Fibromyalgia / physiopathology
  • Fibromyalgia / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Kinesthesis / physiology
  • Low Back Pain / complications
  • Low Back Pain / psychology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement / physiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Phobic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Phobic Disorders / etiology*
  • Phobic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Physical Fitness / psychology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires