Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Short Form and Lower Extremity Specific Limitations

Abstract

Background: We compared the amount of variation in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System<br />Physical Function (PROMIS PF) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) accounted for by The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia<br />(TSK) and its short form (TSK-4) independent of other factors. Questionnaire coverage, reliability, and validity<br />were compared for both TSK and TSK-4 using mean scaled scores, internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects,<br />interquestionnaire correlations, and collinearity with other measures as the Pain Catastrophizing Scale short form<br />(PCS-4), PROMIS Depression CAT, and PROMIS Pain Interference (PROMIS PI) CAT.<br />Methods: One hundred forty eight consecutive new or return patients were enrolled. Patients were seen in an outpatient<br />setting in several orthopaedic clinics in a large urban area. All patients completed the TSK, PROMIS PF CAT, PROMIS<br />PI CAT, PROMIS Depression CAT, and PCS-4.<br />Results: Greater fear of movement (higher TSK) was associated with worse physical function (lower PROMIS PF CAT)<br />and the full TSK explained more variation in physical function than the short form (TSK-4). In contrast to prior studies<br />PCS-4 was not independent of TSK. Flooring and ceiling effects were seen with TSK-4. Worse physical function was<br />associated with older age, traumatic condition, and more symptoms of depression.<br />Conclusion: The short form of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia can be used as a brief screening measure in patient<br />care and research in order to identify an independent influence of kinesiophobia on lower extremity specific limitations.<br />Additional study is needed to determine whether there is utility in screening for both TSK and PCS or if one or the<br />other provides sufficient information about cognitive biases regarding pain to guide treatment with cognitive behavioral<br />therapy and related techniques.<br />Level of evidence: II