The correlation between pain and intrinsic capacity in older patients with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between chronic pain and intrinsic capacity (IC) decline status in older patients with chronic diseases.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among older patients with chronic diseases in a tertiary hospital from January 2021 to December 2024. Chronic pain was assessed through self-report and defined as pain persisting for ≥3 months. IC was evaluated across locomotor, vitality, cognitive, psychological, and sensory domains with validated tools. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between chronic pain and IC decline status.

RESULTS

A total of 820 participants were analyzed. Chronic pain prevalence was 75.3, and 87.0% were classified as having IC decline status. Locomotor and vitality were the most affected domains. Chronic pain was strongly associated with IC decline status (adjusted OR = 4.77, 95% CI: 3.04-7.49). Age ≥80 years increased the risk of IC decline status, while polypharmacy (≥5 medications) showed a protective effect. No significant interactions were found between chronic pain and age or polypharmacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic pain was highly prevalent and independently associated with IC decline status in older patients with chronic diseases. Locomotor and vitality were the most vulnerable domains. Integrating pain assessment and management with interventions targeting mobility and vitality may help preserve functional health in multimorbid older adults.