Self-reported muscle tension assessment: Validation study of the Visual Analog Scale for tension Öz bildirime dayalı kas gerginliği değerlendirmesi: Gerginlik için Görsel Analog Skalası’nın geçerlilik çalışması

Demir T. E., ALÇALAR A. N., Berk H. Ö. S.

Agri, vol.38, no.2, pp.75-82, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 38 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.5606/agri.2026.78
  • Journal Name: Agri
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, MEDLINE, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.75-82
  • Keywords: Algometer, chronic pain, muscle tension, pain intensity, pain management, Visual Analog Scale
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the validity of the Visual Analog Scale-Tension (VAS-T). Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 100 patients with chronic pain and 100 individuals without pain complaints between April 2021 and April 2022. All participants completed a sociodemographic information form, the Visual Analog Scale for Tension (VAS-T), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Additionally, patients with chronic pain completed the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS-P) and algometer assessments. The discriminant, concurrent, and convergent validity of the VAS-T was evaluated. Results: Concerning discriminant validity, analyses revealed that individuals in the pain group exhibited significantly higher VAS-T scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between VAS-T scores, muscle tension algometer scores, and anxiety, stress, and alexithymia levels (p < 0.01). Participants reporting low tension on the VAS-T differed significantly from those reporting high tension regarding these variables (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The self-reported VAS-T is a rapid, practical and valid self-reported tool for assessing muscle tension.