The Italian Version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for Temporomandibular Disorders (TSK-TMD)

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are common musculoskeletal conditions in which kinesiophobia acts as a psychosocial mediator of pain chronification and disability. No validated Italian version of the TSK-TMD currently exists. This study follows Beaton et al.'s five-phase cross-cultural adaptation methodology (forward translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert panel review, and cognitive debriefing) followed by psychometric evaluation in accordance with COSMIN guidelines. Approximately 250 participants will be recruited via consecutive convenience sampling across three sub-samples: exploratory factor analysis (60-120 subjects), confirmatory factor analysis (~200 subjects), and test-retest reliability (30-50 stable subjects). Data will be collected via paper-based self-administered questionnaires and recorded pseudonymously in a REDCap database, in compliance with GDPR (EU Regulation 2016/679).

Inclusion criteria

- Age ≥18 years - diagnosis of TMD according to DC/TMD criteria by a gnathologist/maxillofacial surgeon - native Italian speaker or good command of the language - ability to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Severe neurological/psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment; ongoing dental/therapeutic treatments that rapidly alter clinical status; inability to comprehend items; use of medications that alter neuromuscular function for conditions other than TMD; pregnancy; substance or alcohol abuse; craniocervicofacial neoplasms