Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2025
09:16
Dynamic Quantitative Sensory Testing to Characterize Central Pain Processing
Published on: February 16, 2017
16.9K
Correlation between physical functioning tests and central sensitization in patients with chronic low back pain
Verena Calmon Almeida1, Luana Caroline Dantas Pereira2, Carolaine Alves da Silva3
1Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Brazil. calmonverena@gmail.com.
Summary
Central sensitization in chronic low back pain shows weak correlations with physical functioning tests like the 6-minute walking test and one-minute sit-to-stand test.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is often associated with central sensitization, a condition that can negatively impact patient prognosis.
- Physical functioning tests are crucial for assessing daily activity limitations in patients with CLBP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and established physical functioning tests.
- To understand how central sensitization relates to measurable physical function in CLBP patients.
Main Methods:
- 214 CLBP patients with pain intensity >3/10 were enrolled.
- Central sensitization was assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI).
- Physical function was evaluated via the 6-minute walking test (6MWT), time-up-and-go test (TUG), and 1-minute sit-to-stand test (STST).
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found: inverse for 6MWT (r=-0.19, p=0.003) and STST (r=-0.3, p<0.001); direct for TUG (r=0.20, p=0.002).
- STST, age, pain intensity/duration, and expectation significantly impacted central sensitization risk.
- The CSI demonstrated weak to very weak correlations with physical functioning tests.
Conclusions:
- The Central Sensitization Inventory exhibits limited correlation with key physical functioning tests in CLBP patients.
- These findings suggest that while central sensitization is relevant, its direct measurement via CSI may not fully capture physical function deficits.
