Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK)

Clinical intent

The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) is a self-report measure developed to assess ‘fear of movement-related pain’ in patients with musculoskeletal pain (ie, lower back pain). The original test has been developed by Kori at al. in 1990. [1] Vlaeyen et al.[2] developed a cut-off score and reported patients that scored greater than 37 were high-responders.

Clinical interpretation

Higher scores associate with higher levels of kinesiophobia. Patients that score greater than 37 are considerd high-responders. [2]

References

[1] Kori SH, Miller RP, Todd DD. Kinesiophobia: a new view of chronic pain behaviour. Pain Management 1990; 3: 35–42.
[2] Vlaeyen JW, Kole-Snijders AM, Boeren RG, van Eek H. Fear of movement/(re)injury in chronic low back pain and its relation to behavioral performance. Pain. 1995;62(3):363-372. doi:10.1016/0304-3959(94)00279-n