Russian language version of the central sensitization inventory: Validity and reliability of the questionnaire for chronic nonspecific neck and back pain

Abstract

Background. Central sensitization (CS) is a pathophysiological phenomenon characterized by increased responsiveness of nociceptors in central nervous system to normal or sub-threshold stimuli. Understanding of the role of CS in chronic pain pathogenesis caused development of special clinical instrument (Central sensitization inventory). The last one ensured identifying the patients with CS and defining the most appropriate treatment strategy. Objective. To evaluate validity and reliability of the Russian language version of the Central sensitization inventory (CSI-RU) in patients with chronic non-specific neck and back pain — the leading syndromes, causing disability of people in modern society. Material and methods. The study was conducted in patients with chronic non-specific neck and/or back pain. Content, construct and convergent validity of the questionnaire was examined. Results. There were 195 patients (142 female, 53 male) aged 18—65 (40.5±11.4) years. Patient complaints were representative to the most of the statements in the questionnaire. No «floor and ceiling effects» were identified. Psychometric properties of the CSI-RU: good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89) and test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 =0.89). Average inter-item correlation co-efficient was 0.26. Factor analysis of the CSI-RU revealed 6 factors including 3 ones with good internal consistency. High correlation was found with NDI-RU total score (r=0.56) and moderate correlation with ODI-RU total score (r=0.36). MDC was 10 points. Conclusion. The Russian language version of the Central sensitization inventory is a valid and reliable instrument that can be applied both in clinical practice and scientific investigations.