scholarly journals Pressure Pain Threshold Values Obtained Through Algometers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
J. H. Trueba-Perdomo

A review of the scientific literature on pressure pain obtained through algometers is carried out. A comparison of the pain pressure thresholds (PPT) obtained or considered within the analyzed studies was performed. The primary outcome of this work is the collection of these PPT values concerning the body regions where the algometers applied the pressure: trapezius muscles, back muscles, upper extremities, leg muscles, foot area, and muscles of the head. Furthermore, a comparison between the results of manual and electromechanical algometers is presented. Several tables are created, which can be useful to compare future studies that adopt pressure algometers. These values can also be considered a reference to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of new algometers, either manual or electromechanical. Besides, from the information obtained, the design requirements of an electromechanical pressure algometer are presented. These requirements are defined to develop a portable instrument that is also smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the existing ones and can measure the pressure in different parts of the human body.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Liew ◽  
Ho Yin Lee ◽  
David Rügamer ◽  
Alessandro Marco De Nunzio ◽  
Nicola R. Heneghan ◽  
...  

AbstractThe inter-session Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) is a commonly investigated and clinically important metric of reliability for pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurement. However, current investigations do not account for inter-repetition variability when calculating inter-session ICC, even though a PPT measurement taken at different sessions must also imply different repetitions. The primary aim was to evaluate and report a novel metric of reliability in PPT measurement: the inter-session-repetition ICC. One rater recorded ten repetitions of PPT measurement over the lumbar region bilaterally at two sessions in twenty healthy adults using a pressure algometer. Variance components were computed using linear mixed-models and used to construct ICCs; most notably inter-session ICC and inter-session-repetition ICC. At 70.1% of the total variance, the source of greatest variability was between subjects ($${\sigma }_{subj}^{2}$$ σ subj 2 = 222.28 N2), whereas the source of least variability (1.5% total variance) was between sessions ($${\sigma }_{sess}^{2}$$ σ sess 2 = 4.83 N2). Derived inter-session and inter-session-repetition ICCs were 0.88 (95%CI: 0.77 to 0.94) and 0.73 (95%CI: 0.53 to 0.84) respectively. Inter-session-repetition ICC provides a more conservative estimate of reliability than inter-session ICC, with the magnitude of difference being clinically meaningful. Quantifying individual sources of variability enables ICC construction to be reflective of individual testing protocols.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e1736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari Kalland Knapstad ◽  
Stein Helge Glad Nordahl ◽  
Ingvill Fjell Naterstad ◽  
Tove Ask ◽  
Jan Sture Skouen ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. Zimkowski ◽  
Emily M. Lindley ◽  
Vikas V. Patel ◽  
Mark E. Rentschler

A challenge is always presented when attempting to measure the pain an individual patient experiences. Unfortunately, present technologies rely nearly exclusively on subjective techniques. Using these current techniques, a physician may use a manually operated algometer and a series of questionnaires to gauge an individual patient’s pain scale. Unfortunately these devices and test methods have been suggested to introduce error due to variability and inconsistent testing methods. Some studies have shown large variability, while others have shown minimal variability, both between patients and within the same patient during multiple testing sessions. Recent studies have also shown a lack of correlation between pain threshold and pain tolerance in pain sensitivity tests. Hand-held algometer devices can be difficult to maintain consistent application rates over multiple test periods, possibly adding to widespread variability. Furthermore, there are limited test results that correlate pain ratings with biological measures in real time. The computer-controlled pressure algometer described is not hand-held or dependent on significant examiner input. This new device is capable of recording electrocardiograph (ECG), blood pressure (BP), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and pressure pain tolerance (PPTol) in real time. One major goal is the capability of correlating pain stimuli with algometer pressure, heart rate, and blood pressure. If a predictable correlation between vital signs and pain could be established, significant gains in the understanding of pain could result. Better understanding of pain will ultimately lead to improvements in treatment and diagnosis of pain conditions, helping patients and physicians alike.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Terzi ◽  
Rabia Terzi ◽  
Ahmet Kale

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the number of tender points, pressure pain threshold and presence of fibromyalgia among women with or without dyspareunia.METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included 40 patients with dyspareunia and 30 healthy controls. The participants were asked if they had engaged in sexual intercourse during the previous four weeks, and dyspareunia was rated from 0 to 3 based on the Marinoff Dyspareunia Scale. A pressure algometer (dolorimeter) was used to measure the pressure pain threshold. Fibromyalgia was diagnosed based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria. The depression status of the participants was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory.RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found with regard to age, body mass index, habits (alcohol use and smoking), educational status and occupational status between the two groups. Total myalgic score, total control score and tender point mean pain threshold were significantly lower in the group with dyspareunia. The number of tender points was significantly higher in patients with dyspareunia. The mean Beck Depression Inventory score was 14.7 ±8.4 in the dyspareunia group compared with 11.2 ±7.1 in the control group. Five (12.5%) of the patients with dyspareunia were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, whereas no patients in the control group were diagnosed with fibromyalgia. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the presence of fibromyalgia.CONCLUSION: The finding of lower pressure pain thresholds and a higher number of tender points among patients with dyspareunia suggests that these patients may have increased generalized pain thresholds. Additional studies involving a larger number of patients are required to investigate the presence of central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of dyspareunia.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Waller ◽  
Anne Julia Smith ◽  
Peter Bruce O’Sullivan ◽  
Helen Slater ◽  
Michele Sterling ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground and aimsCurrently there is a lack of large population studies that have investigated pain sensitivity distributions in healthy pain free people. The aims of this study were: (1) to provide sex-specific reference values of pressure and cold pain thresholds in young pain-free adults; (2) to examine the association of potential correlates of pain sensitivity with pain threshold values.MethodsThis study investigated sex specific pressure and cold pain threshold estimates for young pain free adults aged 21–24 years. A cross-sectional design was utilised using participants (n =617) from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study at the 22-year follow-up. The association of site, sex, height, weight, smoking, health related quality oflife, psychological measures and activity with pain threshold values was examined. Pressure pain threshold (lumbar spine, tibialis anterior, neck and dorsal wrist) and cold pain threshold (dorsal wrist) were assessed using standardised quantitative sensory testing protocols.ResultsReference values for pressure pain threshold (four body sites) stratified by sex and site, and cold pain threshold (dorsal wrist) stratified by sex are provided. Statistically significant, independent correlates of increased pressure pain sensitivity measures were site (neck, dorsal wrist), sex (female), higher waist-hip ratio and poorer mental health. Statistically significant, independent correlates of increased cold pain sensitivity measures were, sex (female), poorer mental health and smoking.ConclusionsThese data provide the most comprehensive and robust sex specific reference values for pressure pain threshold specific to four body sites and cold pain threshold at the dorsal wrist for young adults aged 21–24 years. Establishing normative values in this young age group is important given that the transition from adolescence to adulthood is a critical temporal period during which trajectories for persistent pain can be established.ImplicationsThese data will provide an important research resource to enable more accurate profiling and interpretation of pain sensitivity in clinical pain disorders in young adults. The robust and comprehensive data can assist interpretation of future clinical pain studies and provide further insight into the complex associations of pain sensitivity that can be used in future research.


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10162
Author(s):  
Daniel Jerez-Mayorga ◽  
Carolina Fernanda dos Anjos ◽  
Maria de Cássia Macedo ◽  
Ilha Gonçalves Fernandes ◽  
Esteban Aedo-Muñoz ◽  
...  

Background Pain assessment is a key measure that accompanies treatments in a wide range of clinical settings. A low-cost valid and reliable pressure algometer would allow objective assessment of pressure pain to assist a variety of health professionals. However, the pressure algometer is often expensive, which limits its daily use in both clinical and research settings. Objectives This study aimed to assess the instrumental validity, and the intra- and inter-rater reliability of an inexpensive digital adapted pressure algometer. Methods A single rater applied 60 random compressions on a force platform. The pressure pain thresholds of 20 volunteers were collected twice (3 days apart) by two raters. The main outcome measurements were as follows: the maximal peak force (in kPa) and the pressure pain threshold (adapted pressure algometer vs. force platform). Cronbach’s α test was used to assess internal consistency. The standard error of measurement provided estimates of measurement error, and the measurement bias was estimated with the Bland–Altman method, with lower and upper limits of agreement. Results No differences were observed when comparing the compression results (P = 0.51). The validity and internal intra-rater consistencies ranged from 0.84 to 0.99, and the standard error of measurement from 0.005 to 0.04 kPa. Very strong (r = 0.73–0.74) to near-perfect (r = 0.99) correlations were found, with a low risk of bias for all measurements. The results demonstrated the validity and intra-rater reliability of the digitally adapted pressure algometer. Inter-rater reliability results were moderate (r = 0.55–0.60; Cronbach’s α = 0.71–0.75). Conclusion The adapted pressure algometer provide valid and reliable measurements of pressure pain threshold. The results support more widespread use of the pressure pain threshold method among clinicians.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Albers ◽  
Anne Jäkel ◽  
Kai Wellmann ◽  
Ulrike von Hehn ◽  
Tobias Schmidt

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of osteopathic intervention (OI) and general osteopathic treatment (GOT) in individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods: The trial was designed as a randomized controlled trial with 2 osteopathic interventions and 1 untreated control group. The patients in the two osteopathic groups received 10 osteopathic treatments (OI or GOT) within a time period of 12 weeks. The control group did not receive any osteopathic treatment. The primary outcome was the average pain intensity (API) assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were the pressure-pain threshold rated by means of a tender point score, and disease severity, assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results: 50 patients were randomized. The primary outcome parameter API decreased from 7.2 to 4.7 in the OI group, from 6.3 to 4.3 in the GOT group, and increased slightly in the control group from 6.2 to 6.6. There were significant differences for the change in API between the OI group and the control group (VAS: 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-4.52), and between the GOT group and the control group (VAS: 2.4, 95% CI = 0.65-4.11), but no significant differences between the OI group and the GOT group. There were no significant differences for the secondary outcome parameters between the groups. Conclusion: A series of osteopathic treatments might be beneficial for patients suffering from FMS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 2385-2391
Author(s):  
Anushree M. S ◽  
Soumya Saraswathi. M ◽  
Vidyanath R.

Introduction: ‘Purusha’ the sentient being in Ayurveda is formed by the combination of Satwa (Mind), Atma (Soul) and Shareera (Body). Among these, paramount importance has been given to the role of the mind in both health and diseased states. In the present study, the term Satwa has been used to denote Satwabala or the psychic strength of an individual. The assessment of Satwabala is an important part in examination of the patient and while planning the treatment. The interrelationship of mind and body is well explained in Ayurveda. The pain inflicted on one's body has influence on his mind. Some people feel pain more intensely than others and some tolerate it so much more than others. Thus, quantification of pain with reference to psychic strength is essential for diagnostic and pain monitoring purposes in clinical practice. Aim and Objectives: The study was carried out with an aim to assess the Pain threshold in the form of Pressure Pain Threshold [PPT] and the Pain intensity in the form of the Visual Analog Scale [VAS] in three types of Satwabala. It was hypothesised that there could be a positive relation between Satwabala and Pain threshold. Methods: For the objective assessment of Pressure Pain Threshold a simple handheld pressure Algometer has been used. For the subjective measurement of experimental pain, Visual Analog Scale was used. Further, the Satwa of participants was assessed using a standard questionnaire. Results: The resultssuggested that in people between the age group of 18-40 years, there exist a statistically highly significant positive correlation between Satwabala and Pain threshold with P< 0.01. Keywords: Satwa, Satwabala, Pain threshold, Pressure Pain Threshold, Visual Analog Scale.


Pain ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Jensen ◽  
Henrik Ørbaek Andersen ◽  
Jes Olesen ◽  
Ulf Lindblom

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