Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11 / TSK-17) — Fear of Movement Assessment for Fitness & Rehabilitation
Likert-scale measure of fear of movement or re-injury that can limit exercise participation.
The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11 / TSK-17) is a validated Likert-scale measure of fear of movement, re-injury, and activity avoidance that can limit exercise participation and recovery. This online assessment is designed for fitness professionals, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists, and individuals who want a clear, evidence-informed snapshot of how fear of movement may be impacting exercise, functional progress, and return-to-activity decisions. Using the recognized TSK format, the quiz captures attitudes and beliefs about pain, re-injury, and activity avoidance to guide clinical decisions and personalized exercise planning.
Complete all items honestly to get an accurate score that reflects your current kinesiophobia level. Whether you're using the full 17-item TSK or focusing on the 11-item short form (TSK-11), this assessment helps identify barriers to safe exercise participation, guides graded exposure strategies, and informs referrals to physiotherapy or pain psychology. Results include practical, actionable recommendations to reduce fear, increase movement confidence, and support consistent participation in fitness and rehabilitation programs.
I am afraid that I might injure myself if I exercise.
Assess concern that physical activity will cause new injury or worsen condition.
Pain is a sign that I should stop what I'm doing to avoid further damage.
Measures the belief that pain always indicates harm.
I worry that I will reinjure myself if I return to normal activities.
Gauges anxiety about re-injury during regular tasks or exercise.
I avoid certain movements or exercises because they might increase my pain.
Measures activity avoidance linked to pain expectations.
If I started to exercise my symptoms would increase.
Assesses expectation that exercise will worsen symptoms.
I feel that I should not do exercise which might cause pain.
Captures beliefs about avoiding exercise to prevent pain.
I am confident I can gradually increase my activity without causing harm.
A positively framed item assessing movement confidence (higher agreement = lower fear).
If I engage in physical activity I will probably make my problem worse.
Measures catastrophic expectation about activity.
I hesitate to return to sports, fitness classes, or exercise because of fear of injury.
Assesses avoidance of structured exercise or sports.
I believe that if I keep active I will not damage myself.
Positively framed item; agreement reflects lower fear.
I avoid lifting weights or resistance training because I fear it will hurt me.
Assesses avoidance of strength training due to pain or reinjury concerns.
I feel anxious when thinking about returning to higher intensity workouts.
Measures anxiety related to resuming challenging activities.
I am comfortable gradually increasing my training load even if it causes mild discomfort.
Positively framed; higher agreement indicates lower fear.
I think that I should not push myself physically because I might cause more harm.
Assesses tendency to limit effort to avoid perceived damage.
I prefer to avoid activities that I used to do, even if they are recommended for recovery.
Evaluates persistent avoidance despite guidance to resume activity.
I trust that graded exercise programs can help me return to normal activity safely.
Positive item assessing trust in structured rehab (higher agreement = lower fear).
My fear of re-injury limits my willingness to try new exercises or progress intensity.
Summative item measuring how fear limits progression in fitness.
Frequently asked questions
The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) is a validated questionnaire used to measure fear of movement, re-injury, and activity avoidance. It is commonly used in rehabilitation, pain management, and fitness settings to identify how fear may limit participation in exercise and daily activities.
TSK-17 is the original 17-item version of the scale. TSK-11 is a shortened 11-item form that retains core items for quicker screening. Both assess kinesiophobia, but the shorter form is often used for faster screening while the full version provides a more detailed profile.
Scores are summed across items. Higher totals indicate greater fear of movement and a higher likelihood that fear is impacting exercise or daily activity. Typical interpretation bands in this quiz are: low (0–17), moderate (18–34), and high (35–51). Use these results to guide appropriate interventions such as graded exposure or referral to physiotherapy.
No. The TSK is a screening and assessment tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It helps identify fear-related barriers that may affect recovery or exercise adherence. For diagnosis or a comprehensive treatment plan, consult a licensed healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist or pain specialist.
If your score is in the high range, consider seeking professional support. Recommended steps include scheduling an assessment with a physiotherapist, starting a supervised graded-exposure exercise program, engaging in pain education to reframe beliefs, and possibly psychological interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy to address fear-avoidance patterns.
Retake the assessment after you have implemented interventions—commonly 4 to 8 weeks—to monitor changes in fear and confidence. Frequent retesting (e.g., weekly) is not necessary; use retesting to evaluate progress and adjust rehabilitation strategies.
When completed honestly, online administration of the TSK is considered reliable for screening purposes. Ensure a quiet environment and answer items based on current feelings and behaviors. For clinical decisions, combine test results with a physical assessment and professional evaluation.
Related quizzes
Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) — Fitness and Exercise Sitting Habits Test
Multiple-choice time bands across sedentary activities to profile sitting behavior.
Exercise Stages of Change Questionnaire (Physical Activity SOC) — Fitness & Exercise Self-Classification
Categorical self-classification into precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action or maintenance.
Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Categorized Version) — Fitness and Exercise Assessment
Multiple-choice frequency bands for light, moderate and vigorous sessions to classify activity level.
Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) Quiz — Measure Your Confidence to Maintain Fitness
Likert options measuring confidence in maintaining exercise under challenging conditions.
Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2/3) — Exercise Motivation Quiz
Likert-scale assessment of exercise motivation across amotivation to intrinsic regulation.
Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) — Functional Capacity Quiz
Yes/no items about ability to perform daily and recreational activities to estimate functional capacity.