Reliability and validity of Tampa scale to detect kinesiophobia in patients with peripheral vestibular dizziness

Background Dizziness is an unpleasant symptom which can cause anxiety and fear of movement (kinesiophobia) which may lead to avoidance of physical activity. There are no reliable and valid questionnaires available to detect kinesiophobia in patients with peripheral vestibular dizziness. Objective To adapt the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-SV) to TSK-SV Dizziness and to investigate the questionnaire´s reliability and validity. Methods The TSK-SV was adapted to TSK-SV Dizziness in patients with peripheral vestibular disorder. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency was calculated. Face and content validity construct and a confirmatory factor analysis were performed. Concurrent validity was assessed in relation to Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-A, HADS-D), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Short form−36, Self-reported physical activity, assessment of dynamic and static balance function. Results TSK-SV dizziness showed excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.91) and excellent internal consistentcy (Cronbach’s alpha 0.76). Confirmatory factor analysis provided acceptable model fit for the modified second-order factor model. In concurrent validity moderate to large associations between TSK-SV dizziness, HADS-A, HADS-D and DHI total sum. Conclusions This study supports the reliability and validity of the TSK-SV dizziness questionnaire for clinical use in patients with peripheral vestibular dizziness.