Correlation between physical functioning tests and central sensitization in patients with chronic low back pain.

Abstract

Chronic low back pain may be related to central sensitization, leading to a worse prognosis for patients. Physical functioning tests allow the evaluation of the patient's daily activity. Thus, this study aims to identify the correlations between central sensitization inventory and physical functioning tests. 214 patients clinically diagnosed with chronic low back pain and reporting pain intensity above three in the numerical rate scale were included. All patients concluded the central sensitization inventory. Physical function was evaluated with the six-minute walking test (6MWT), time-up-and-go test (TUG), and one-minute sit-to-stand test (STST). The statistical analysis considered all patients and separated them by sex. Most patients included were women, with an average age of 50 years and pain intensity considered moderate. The correlations were significant, being inverse for the 6MWT (r= -0.19, p = 0.003) and STST (r= -0.3, p < 0.001) and direct for the TUG (r = 0.20, p = 0.002). Analysing confounding factors, STST, age, pain intensity and duration and expectation have showed to significantly impact on risk of central sensitization. The central sensitization inventory has a weak or very wear correlation with physical functioning tests.