Association between lifestyle habits and central sensitization in community-dwelling older adults in Japan: a cross-sectional analysis from the Otassha study

Disruptions in daily lifestyle habits are associated with various health issues, including chronic pain. Central sensitization, characterized by heightened responsiveness of the central nervous system, plays a key role in pain perception. However, its relationship with modifiable lifestyle habits such as physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between these lifestyle factors and central sensitization in community-dwelling older adults in Japan. This cross-sectional study used data from 574 adults aged 65–84 years participating in the 2023 Otassha Study. Central sensitization was assessed using the Japanese version of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). Information on lifestyle habits, including physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, was collected via self-administered questionnaires. Regression and ANOVA analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between lifestyle factors and central sensitization scores, adjusting for age and sex. Moderate physical activity was significantly associated with lower CSI scores (adjusted coefficient = − 1.83, 95% CI = − 3.41 to − 0.25, p = 0.02). Moderate physical activity showed a marginal overall association with lower CSI scores (ANCOVA p = 0.05). While the highest activity quartile exhibited significantly lower CSI levels compared with inactivity (p < 0.01), no significant differences were observed for the lower quartiles, and the linear trend across quartiles was not significant (p for trend = 0.16). No significant associations were found for vigorous activity, walking activity, smoking exposure, or alcohol consumption. Moderate physical activity showed a marginal association with lower levels of central sensitization, with only the highest activity quartile demonstrating significantly lower CSI scores. Although a clear dose–response trend was not observed, these findings suggest that higher levels of moderate activity may contribute to reduced sensitization in older adults. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships.