| Sumario: | Background and Purpose: Early detection of central sensitization in athletes may enhance management and outcomes. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) offers a time-efficient method. However, its relationship with psychophysical pain measures, particularly in preseason athletes, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between CSI scores and pressure pain threshold (PPT) measures in a group of preseason hockey and lacrosse athletes. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. During pre-participation screening, participants completed a CSI followed by PPT testing at bilateral masseters and bilateral plantar medial longitudinal arches using a digital algometer. Three trials were performed at each site with 30-second rest intervals to avoid wind-up. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between baseline PPT values and CSI scores. Results/Findings: Twenty-six healthy male collegiate athletes were included for testing and analysis. No significant correlation was observed between PPT values and CSI scores at either masseter, plantar medial longitudinal arch, or with the aggregate PPTs. Discussion: In this cohort of healthy male athletes, CSI scores were not associated with pressure pain thresholds. While both questionnaires and quantitative sensory testing can offer insight into pain mechanisms, a direct correlation between measures cannot be assumed. Future research involving symptomatic populations and individuals meeting CSI thresholds for central sensitivity is warranted.
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