Turkish Validation of the 9-Item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia

This observational methodological study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the 9-item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-9) in individuals with chronic spinal pain. Chronic spinal pain is commonly associated with fear of movement, avoidance behavior, pain catastrophizing, and disability. Therefore, a short and practical Turkish measurement tool may be useful for both clinical assessment and research. Participants with chronic neck or low back pain will complete self-report questionnaires, including the Turkish TSK-9, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Fear-Avoidance Components Scale, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. The Turkish TSK-9 will be administered again 7 days after the first assessment in a subgroup of participants to evaluate test-retest reliability. No intervention, invasive procedure, clinical test, or laboratory test will be performed. Data will be collected online using Google Forms.

Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 18 and 65 years of age * Having chronic spinal pain lasting longer than 3 months * Having neck or low back pain * Having a self-reported pain intensity score of 3 or higher on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale * Volunteering to participate in the study * Being able to read and understand Turkish Exclusion Criteria: * History of spinal surgery * History of vertebral fracture * Diagnosis of radiculopathy and/or disc herniation with neurological involvement * Use of analgesic medication within the last 7 days * History of cancer * Self-reported serious neurological disease * Self-reported serious psychiatric disease