Publication
Title
Expanded distribution of pain as a sign of central sensitization in individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Author
Abstract
Background Expanded distribution of pain is considered a sign of central sensitization (CS). The relationship between recording of symptoms and CS in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been poorly investigated. Objective To examine whether the area of pain assessed using pain drawings relates to CS and clinical symptoms in people with knee OA. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Fifty-three subjects with knee OA scheduled to undergo primary total knee arthroplasty were studied. All participants completed pain drawings using a novel digital device, self-administration questionnaires and were assessed by quantitative sensory testing. Pain frequency maps were generated separately for women and men. Spearman's correlation coefficients were computed to reveal possible correlations between the area of pain and quantitative sensory testing and clinical symptoms. Results Pain frequency maps revealed enlarged areas of pain, especially in women. Enlarged areas of pain were associated with higher knee pain severity (rs= .325, P < 0.05) and stiffness (rs=.341, P < 0.05), lower pressure pain thresholds at the knee (rs=-.306, P < 0.05) and epicondyle (rs=-.308, P < 0.05) and higher scores with the Central Sensitization Inventory (rs=.456, P < 0.01). No significant associations were observed between the area of pain and the remaining clinical symptoms and measures of CS. Limitations Firm conclusions about the predictive role of pain drawings cannot be drawn. Further evaluation of the reliability and validity of pain area extracted from pain drawings in people with knee OA is required. Conclusion Expanded distribution of pain was correlated with some measures of CS in individuals with knee OA. Pain drawings may constitute an easy way for the early identification of CS in people with knee OA, but further research is required.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Physical therapy / American Physical Therapy Association. - Washington, D.C.
Publication
Washington, D.C. : 2016
ISSN
0031-9023
DOI
10.2522/PTJ.20150492
Volume/pages
96 :8 (2016) , p. 1196-1207
ISI
000386165800010
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 31.03.2016
Last edited 09.10.2023
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