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Evaluation of kinesiophobia, central sensitization, and related factors in patients with gout: a cross-sectional
Kübra Tuncer1, Erkan Kozanoğlu2, Aylin Sariyildiz2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Türkiye. kubtuncer@gmail.com.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of kinesiophobia and central sensitization and the association of kinesiophobia and central sensitization with clinical variables in patients with gout.
Method:
This cross-sectional study included patients with gout and age- and gender-matched individuals. All participants were assessed by using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Disease-related clinical variables, Gout Activity Score (GAS), and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) were also recorded.
Results:
The frequency of kinesiophobia and central sensitization in patients with gout was 62.3% and 33.8%, respectively. TSK, CSI, and HADS scores were higher, and SF-36 and IPAQ-SF scores were lower in patients with gout than in controls. Patients with kinesiophobia statistically had higher GAS, CSI, HADS, and HAQ-DI scores and lower subscores of SF-36 (except emotional role) and total IPAQ-SF scores than the non-kinesiophobia group. GAS, TSK, HADS, and HAQ-DI scores were found to be higher, and SF-36 and total IPAQ-SF scores were lower in patients with central sensitization compared to those without central sensitization. TSK and CSI scores had significant positive correlations with each other (ρ = 0.650) and with pain, GAS, HADS-D, HADS-A, and HAQ-DI scores (ρ ranged from 0.414 to 0.702). According to the regression analyses, the CSI score appeared to determine the severity of kinesiophobia.
Conclusions:
Kinesiophobia and central sensitization frequently accompany patients with gout. These were associated with increased pain intensity, decreased quality of life, impaired emotional health, functionality, and physical activity. Key Points • The frequency of central sensitization and kinesiophobia accompanying patients with gout is considerable. • Mental health plays a fundamental role in influencing central sensitization in gout. • Central sensitization was independently associated with kinesiophobia. • These close associations lead to challenges in optimizing management, functionality, physical activity level, and quality of life in gout.
