# Association between the central sensitization inventory score and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults

## TL;DR

This study found that higher central sensitization scores are linked to lower quality of life in older adults, even at moderate levels.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific quality-of-life domains associated with central sensitization in the general older population.

## Key findings

- Central Sensitization Inventory Part A scores showed strong negative correlations with multiple health-related quality-of-life measures.
- Even scores below 30 were associated with reduced quality of life in mental and physical health domains.
- Only 2.6% of participants had scores ≥40, indicating central sensitization is rare in this general population.

## Abstract

Central sensitization is an important factor associated with impaired health-related quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and community-dwelling older adults. However, health-related quality-of-life domains strongly associated with central sensitization in the general population remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between the Central Sensitization Inventory Part A scores and health-related quality of life using community health checkup data.

A total of 419 middle-aged and older adults (mean age, 64.4 ± 11.2 years; 59.4% female) were included. Participants completed a questionnaire survey on pain, including visual analogue scales (VASs) for lower-back and knee pain, and the Central Sensitization Inventory Part A. Additionally, participants completed the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey, and three component-summary scores and eight subscales were calculated. Additionally, participants completed the 5-level EuroQol 5 dimensions, and health-state utility values were calculated. The correlation between the Central Sensitization Inventory Part A scores and these health-related quality-of-life measures was investigated.

Central Sensitization Inventory Part A score ≥40 was observed in 2.6% participants. Significant moderate negative correlations were observed between the Central Sensitization Inventory Part A scores and EuroQol 5 dimensions health-state utility values (r = −0.631, P < 0.001), Short-Form 36 mental-component summary (r = −0.550, P < 0.001), body pain (r = −0.556, P < 0.001), general health (r = −0.556, P < 0.001), vitality (r = −0.610, P < 0.001), and mental health (r = −0.556, P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for participants with Central Sensitization Inventory Part A scores <30.

In community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults, Central Sensitization Inventory Part A scores were negatively correlated with health-related quality-of-life scores, even in participants with Central Sensitization Inventory Part A scores <30.