Comparing pain severity versus pain location in the MOBILIZE Boston study: Chronic pain and lower extremity function

Abstract

Background. This study compared measures of chronic pain, for example, number of pain sites and overall pain severity, in relation to lower extremity function in the older population. Methods. Six hundred older adults (mean age 77.9 years, 64% female) were queried about presence of chronic pain. Number of pain sites was categorized as none, single site, multisite, or widespread. Pain severity was measured in quartiles of the Brief Pain Inventory pain severity subscale. Lower extremity function was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), a composite measure of gait speed, balance, and chair stands. Results. Many older persons reported multisite or widespread pain (40%). Increased pain sites and pain severity were associated with poorer SPPB performance after adjusting for age, sex, height, and weight. With further adjustment for education, comorbid conditions, and depressive symptoms, multisite pain ( p