Initial validation of the 12-item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia in a retrospective sample of adults with chronic headache

Abstract

Abstract Introduction An area of emerging interest in chronic pain populations concerns fear of pain and associated fear of movement (kinesiophobia)—a cognitive appraisal pattern that is well-validated in non-headache chronic pain. However, there is limited research on whether this construct can be measured in a similar manner in headache populations. Methods The current project details a confirmatory factor analysis of the 12-Item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-12) using a clinical data set from 210 adults with diverse headache diagnoses presenting for care at a multidisciplinary pain clinic. One item (concerning an “accident” that initiated the pain condition) was excluded from analysis. Results Results of the confirmatory factor analysis for the remaining 12 items indicated adequate model fit for the previously established 2-factor structure (activity avoidance and bodily harm/somatic focus subscales). In line with previous literature, total TSK-12 scores showed moderate correlations with pain severity, pain-related interference, positive and negative affect, depressive and anxious symptoms, and pain catastrophizing. Discussion The current study is the first to examine the factor structure of the TSK-12 in an adult headache population. The results support the relevance of pain-related fear to the functional and psychosocial status of adults with chronic headache, although model fit of the TSK-12 could be characterized as adequate rather than optimal. Limitations of the study include heterogeneity in headache diagnosis and rates of comorbid non-headache chronic pain in the sample. Future studies should replicate these findings in more homogenous headache groups (eg, chronic migraine) and examine associations with behavioral indices and treatment response.