Less is more: reliability and measurement error for three versions of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11, TSK-13, and TSK-17) in patients with high-impact chronic pain.

Objectives: The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) is a valid and reliable tool to assess somatic focus and activity avoidance in patients. Currently, the test-retest reliability and measurement error for the Danish version is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC) for three Danish lengths of the TSK in patients with chronic pain.

Methods: Waiting-list patients (n = 77) completed the TSK-17 twice from home with a test interval between 7 and 14 days. Based on COSMIN recommendations, the test-retest reliability was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and measurement error in terms of standard error of measurement (SEM) and SDC95% were calculated.

Results: All three versions showed good test-retest reliability with ICC-values (CI95%) of 0.86(0.79-0.91), 0.88(0.82-0.92) and 0.87(0.81-0.92) for the TSK-17, TSK-13, and TSK-11. The SEM-values were 3.08, 2.42 and 2.10 respectively and SDC95%-values were 8.53, 6.71 and 5.82.

Conclusions: The Danish versions of TSK-11, TSK-13 and TSK-17 showed good to excellent test-retest reliability. SEM and SDC95% values in patients with chronic pain are reported. The TSK-11 did not show systematic bias between test and retest and may be preferred to minimize responder burden.