Pressure Pain Threshold Measurements Research Articles

Test-Retest Reliability of Pain Sensitivity Measures in Individuals with Shoulder Pain.

Central sensitization (CS) has been proposed as a possible contributor to persistent shoulder pain. Measures of sensitivity, such as quantitative sensory tests (QSTs) and sensitivity to movements evoked pain (SMEP), have been increasingly used to investigate CS in a wide range of painful conditions. However, there is a lack of data on whether QST and SMEP are reliable among individuals with shoulder pain. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the intra-rater test-retest reliability of QST and SMEP in individuals with chronic shoulder pain. Forty-seven individuals with chronic shoulder pain were enrolled in the study. The QST measures, including pressure pain threshold (PPT) and mechanical temporal summation (MTS), were tested, and SMEP was measured with a lifting task. Relative and absolute reliability were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 3,1) and standard error of the measurement (SEM), respectively. The results showed that the ICC coefficients for all sensitivity measures were moderate to good, ranging from 0.63 to 0.86. The SEM% for the QST measures at all sites ranged from 21.4% to 36%, with TS at the forearm demonstrating a high SEM% (greater than 30%). The SMEP measure also showed a high SEM% (46%). The results showed that the sensitivity measures had moderate to good reliability among individuals with shoulder pain. Acceptable limits of accuracy of measurements were demonstrated for TS and PPT measures, while SMEP demonstrated high error, highlighting the need for further refinement of this measure among these populations.

Effect of physical activity education on shoulder girdle pain and muscle strength in participants with fibromyalgia: a pilot experimental study.

In patients with fibromyalgia, exercise and education are recommended to decrease pain level and improve pain management. The latest scientific evidence recommends to focus interventions on the upper limb. The aim of this pilot study was to compare the immediate effect of physical activity education vs. a control group on pain and muscle capacity in fibromyalgia patients. Fifty-six participants with fibromyalgia were randomized into an experimental group and a control group. The intervention consisted in watching a five-minute video that provided information about fibromyalgia, pain, kinesiophobia and physical activity. The control group watched a neutral five-minute video about beavers in Quebec. Following the video, participants performed a muscular fatigue task consisting of a repeated unilateral shoulder abduction task. At baseline and following the muscular fatigue task, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in shoulder abduction was assessed as well as pain level and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the upper limb. Electromyographic activity was also assessed for upper trapezius and middle deltoid muscles. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the MVC, PPT, and pain level before and after the muscular fatigue task between groups. The experimental group showed a significantly lower increase in pain than the control group in the middle deltoid muscle (p = 0.002) when assessed by verbal pain rating scale. No significant interaction or main effect of Group and Time were observed for the pain level at the upper trapezius and elbow extensor muscles nor for any of the PPT measures. According to electromyographic data, the median frequency values indicate that neither group experienced muscle fatigue during the repeated contraction task. The preliminary results suggest that a short physical activity education video positively influenced middle deltoid pain following repeated abduction in participants with fibromyalgia. Electromyographic analysis showed no evidence of objective muscle fatigue, suggesting that there might be a partial disconnection between the perception of muscle fatigue and the physiological biomarkers associated with muscle fatigue.

P101 Investigating the association between clinical enthesitis and central sensitisation in psoriatic arthritis

Abstract Background/Aims Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis with enthesitis as its characteristic clinical feature. Enthesitis can be clinically challenging to differentiate from the widespread pain associated with Fibromyalgia (FM), the prototype of central sensitisation (CS) present in up to 30% of PsA patients. Algometry is used in CS research to quantify pressure pain threshold (PPT), reflecting increased pain sensitivity when reduced. Ultrasound is a valuable tool to evidence entheseal inflammatory changes in PsA. This study investigates associations between CS, i.e., FM, and entheseal ultrasound outcomes to better characterise pain mechanisms in PsA enthesitis. Methods A total of 20 patients with active PsA about to start a new immunosuppressant were recruited. Ultrasound evaluation of non-dominant knee (left for all patients) using dynamic B-mode and power Doppler was performed alongside the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) collection to assess enthesitis. PPT was measured with algometry at the non-dominant knee (enthesitis), trapezius and calf muscle (CS areas), and collection of the ACR 2011 FM criteria was used to determine the presence of CS. Non-dominant areas were selected because they are less likely to exhibit biomechanical ultrasound alterations; moreover, the non-dominant side is generally more sensitive than the dominant side, thus enabling more precise PPT measurements. Correlations and t-tests were used to test associations between variables collected. SPSS was used to analyse the data. Results The 30% of patients met the FM criteria and presented higher LEI scores and lower PPT evoked threshold than FM-negative patients. Total FM scores significantly correlated with LEI scores (r = 0.69, p < 0.001) and calf PPTs (r=-0.53, p=-0.014), but not with knee and trapezius PPTs (r=-0.49, p = 0.09; r=-0.30, p = 0.19), or US enthesitis (r=-0.04, p = 0.86). PPTs in the areas investigated did not show significant correlations with US enthesitis, while an indirect association was observed between LEI with calf PPT (r=-0.51, p = 0.02) and trapezius PPT (r=-0.41, p = 0.06). No significant correlation was demonstrated between LEI and left knee enthesitis (r=-0.32, p = 0.17). Conclusion FM is frequent in PsA and can mimic entheseal pain, as suggested by the strong correlation with the LEI scores. In our cohort, LEI scores did not efficiently capture inflammatory enthesitis, demonstrated by the lack of association with ultrasound data. Moreover, the association between objective measurement of CS, including calf and trapezius PPTs, supports that LEI score may primarily reflect the presence of central sensitisation rather than inflammation. Therefore, relying solely on clinical detection of enthesitis may result in inappropriate treatment escalation. Ultrasound, conversely, serves as a dependable tool for confirming enthesitis and providing valuable information for making informed treatment decisions. Disclosure N.M. Aldehmi: None. N. Basu: None. J. Dale: None. A. Najm: None. F. Sunzini: None.

Evaluation of the segmental distribution of pain sensitivity among patients with central sensitization associated with chronic subacromial pain syndrome: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionPain sensitivity is the main finding of central sensitization (CS) and can occur in patients with chronic shoulder pain. However, there is limited evidence concerning the distribution of pain sensitivity in shoulders, forearms, and legs in patients with CS associated with chronic shoulder pain. The present study aimed to determine the distribution of pain sensitivity in patients with CS associated with chronic subacromial pain syndrome (SPS). MethodThis cross-sectional study included 58 patients with chronic SPS and CS (patient group) and 58 healthy participants (control group). The presence of CS was determined using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). To determine the distribution of pain sensitivity, pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements were performed from the shoulders, forearms, and legs. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sociodemographic data (p > 0.05). The patient group had a significantly higher CSI score (p < 0.001) and lower PPTs in all regions (p < 0.05) than the control group. Unlike the control group, the patient group had lower PPTs on the affected side for the shoulder [mean difference (MD) 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2 (−1.7 to −0.6)], forearm [MD 95% CI: 1.1 (−1.7 to −0.6)], and leg [MD 95% CI: 0.9 (−1.4 to −0.3)] compared with the contralateral side (p < 0.001). ConclusionPain sensitivity is more pronounced in the affected shoulder and the forearm and leg located on this side than in those on the contralateral side in patients with CS associated with chronic SPS.

Efficacy of Dry Needling Therapy Versus IASTM on Myofascial Trigger Point in Patient with Neck Pain

Background: The background of the study is soft tissue mobilization and dry needling among neck pain subjects,which indirectly affect functional activity and pressure threshold for pain over the neck area.Purpose: To evaluate the effects of IASTM and dry needling therapy on myofascial trigger points in individualswith neck pain. And assess the effect of pain and functional outcomes by pressure algometer and NDI.Methods: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to the two groups the dry needling therapy (DNT)Group and Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) Group. The pretest measures of pressure painthreshold and functional activity of the neck were assessed by the pressure algometer and the neck disabilityindex, respectively. The intervention DNT Group received dry-needling therapy, whereas the intervention IASTMGroup received IASTM for a duration of 4 weeks. The same tests were measured after 4 weeks of treatment aspost-test values.Result: A substantial difference between the NDT group and the IASTM group was also discovered (p = 0.001).The study showed that dry needling significantly impacts pressure pain threshold and functional activity in neckpain participants. Conclusion: The dry needling therapy effectively improved functional activity and reducedpressure and pain thresholds.&#x0D; Conclusion: Dry needling therapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic option for treating trigger points in theneck and relieving pain associated with them.

The reliability of pressure pain threshold in individuals with low back or neck pain: a systematic review.

Low-back and neck pain affect a great number of individuals worldwide. The pressure pain threshold has the potential to be a useful quantitative measure of mechanical pain in a clinical setting, if it proves to be reliable in this population. The objectives of this systematic review are to: (1) analyze the literature evaluating the reliability of pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements in the assessment of neck and low-back pain, (2) summarize the evidence from these studies, and (3) characterize the limitations of PPT measurement. Relevant literature from PubMed and the Web of Science electronic databases were screened in a 3-step process according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Relevant studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies (QAREL) tool, and results of all studies were summarized and tabulated. Of 922 citations identified, 11 studies were deemed relevant for critical appraisal, and 8 studies were deemed to have low risk-of bias. Intra-rater reliability, reported in all studies (n = 637) and inter-rater reliability, reported in 2 studies (n = 200) were consistently reported to be good to excellent (ICC 0.75-0.99 and ICC 0.81-0.90, respectively). Studies were also found to have significant variation in PPT measurement procedures. Though intra- and inter-rater reliability was found to be high in all studies, the variation in PPT measurement protocols could affect validity and absolute reliability. As such, it is recommended that standard guidelines be developed for clinical use.

Further evaluation of inflammatory and non-inflammatory aspects of pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

A high discrepancy between the number of tender and swollen joints (e.g. ΔTSJ ≥ 7) has previously been used as an indication for the presence of changes in central mechanisms in patients with moderate-to-high disease activity. In this study, we explored whether the ΔTSJ can also be used to obtain insights into the underlying pain mechanisms in patients with on average well-controlled disease activity. A 2 year retrospective analysis of routinely obtained 28-joint DAS (DAS28) components was performed on 45 patients with low inflammatory activity at the group level. All patients underwent pressure pain threshold (PPT) and electrical pain threshold (EPT) measurements and completed four self-report questionnaires [short-form 36 (SF-36v2); central sensitization inventory (CSI); generalized pain questionnaire (GPQ); and the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS)]. Patients with a ΔTSJ ≥ 3 at least once in the past 2 years showed significantly lower EPT and PPT values and higher levels of pain and disability on the SF-36v2 compared with the ΔTSJ < 3 group. Furthermore, GPQ scores were significantly higher in those with ΔTSJ ≥ 3, while CSI and PCS scores were similar. These findings suggest that in patients in the ΔTSJ ≥ 3 group, mechanisms other than inflammation (only) underlie the pain. Moreover, our findings suggest that among the multiple potential underlying psychological mechanisms, pain catastrophizing (as measured by the PCS) and psychological hypervigilance (as measured by the CSI) do not play an important role. These findings could be useful in the clinical management of the patient. Depending on the dominant mechanism underlying the (persistent) pain, patients might respond differently to treatment.

Pain intensity and pain sensitivity are not increased by a single session of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise in individuals with chronic low back pain: A randomized and controlled trial

BackgroundEvidence on the acute impact of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise on pain is scarce. This type of exercise might be perceived as increasing pain intensity and pain sensitivity negatively impacting adherence. More evidence on the acute effects of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise in individuals with low back pain (LBP) is needed. ObjectivesTo compare the acute effects of a single session of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise, continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and no exercise on pain intensity and pain sensitivity in patients with chronic non-specific LBP. DesignRandomized controlled trial with three arms. MethodParticipants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (i) continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, ii) high-intensity interval aerobic exercise, and iii) no intervention. Measures of pain intensity and pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the lower back and at a distant body site (upper limb) were taken before and after 15 min of exercise. ResultsSixty-nine participants were randomized. A significant main effect of time was found for pain intensity (p = 0.011; η2p = 0.095) and for PPT at the lower back (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.280), but not a time versus group interaction (p > 0.05). For PPT at the upper limb, no main effect of time or interaction was found (p > 0.5). ConclusionsFifteen minutes of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise does not increase pain intensity or pain sensitivity compared to both moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise and no exercise, suggesting that high-intensity interval aerobic exercise can be used in clinical practice and patients reassured that it is unlikely to increase pain.

Preoperative pain sensitivity predicts postoperative pain severity and analgesics requirement in lumbar fusion surgery – a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND CONTENTThe goal of postoperative pain management is to facilitate the patient's return to normal activity and decrease the detrimental effects of acute postsurgical pain. In order to provide more tailored and successful pain treatment, it is necessary to identify individuals who are at a high risk of experiencing severe postoperative pain. The most precise way to assess pain sensitivity is by determining the pressure pain threshold and heat pain threshold by objective methods using a digital algometer and neurotouch respectively. PURPOSEThe primary aim of the study is to assess the preoperative pain threshold and its influence on postoperative pain severity and analgesics requirements in patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgeries. STUDY DESIGNProspective, observational study. PATIENT SAMPLESixty patients requiring a single-level lumbar fusion surgery. OUTCOME MEASURESPostoperative pain intensity and the amount of postoperative analgesics consumption. METHODSIn our patients, preoperative pain sensitivity was assessed by pressure pain threshold measurements with the help of a digital algometer, and heat pain threshold using a neurotouch instrument. In addition, pain sensitivity questionnaires (PSQ) were used in all our patients to determine pain sensitivity. Preoperative psychosocial and functional assessments were performed by Hospital anxiety-depression scores (HADS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) respectively. Preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score was determined at three instances of needle prick (phlebotomy, glucometer blood sugar, and intradermal antibiotic test dose) and during the range of movements of the lumbar spine region. Postoperative VAS score and postoperative breakthrough analgesic requirements were recorded in all of these patients from day 0 to day 3. RESULTSThe average age of the patients was 51.11±13.467 years and 70% were females. Females had lower mean algometry values (72.14±7.56) compared to males (77.34±6.33). Patients with higher HADS (p<.0016), higher PSQ (p<.001), higher ODI scores(p<.001), and female gender significantly correlated with a lower algometer average indicating high pain sensitivity. Patients with lower preoperative VAS scores and with higher neurotouch scores showed lower postoperative VAS scores at different time periods. Preoperative VAS scores, algometer average scores, neurotouch scores, and HADS scores were considered as independent variables (predictors) for postoperative VAS at 6 hours period. By the multivariate analysis, factors like preoperative VAS scores, algometer average scores, and HADS scores were statistically significant (p<.05). There was a significant correlation between algometer average scores (p<.001) with the breakthrough analgesics. CONCLUSIONPreoperative assessment of pain sensitivity can predict postoperative analgesic requirements and aid in recovery. Patients with a lower pain threshold should be counseled preoperatively and also receive a better titration of analgesics perioperatively.

Factors Associated with Low Inter-Session Reliability of Conditioned Pain Modulation in Older People with or Without Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is a measurement of the descending pain pathways that inhibit or facilitate afferent noxious stimuli. The reliability of CPM in older individuals with or without chronic musculoskeletal pain has not been sufficiently reported. This study aimed to examine the inter-session reliability of CPM in these cohorts and the factors in CPM reliability. Individuals aged 65 or older were recruited in Narita, Japan. The measurements were performed on separate days 2 weeks apart (sessions 1 and 2). Each participant's hand was immersed in cold water, and we measured pressure pain threshold (PPT) before and after the immersion. The ratio before and after PPT measurements was presented as CPM index. The autonomic activities (heart rate variability, heart rate, and blood pressure) were simultaneously measured. An absolute reliability of CPM index was analyzed by the adjusted two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bland Altman plot, and relative reliability was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Spearman's rho correlation and the adjusted multivariate regression analysis were utilized for examining the CPM reliability factors. Thirty-two participants were divided into two groups: chronic pain (n=19) and non-chronic pain (n=13) groups. The mean difference between session 1 and 2 in CPM index showed a systematic error in the chronic pain group at 17.3 (confidence interval, CI: 15.0 to 19.7), but none in the non-chronic pain group at 3.7 (CI: -0.02 to 7.4). The adjusted two-way ANOVA for CPM index did not identify any differences. ICC was not significant at p=-0.247 in the non-chronic and 0.167 in chronic pain. Multivariate regression analysis revealed total power and low/high frequencies as significant factors for CPM index. This study identified low inter-session reliability in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain and autonomic nervous system activities as factors in CPM reliability.

Does Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia Depend on Exercise Duration?

Acute physical activity is assumed to lead to exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Yet, little research has been conducted dealing with the influence of exercise duration on EIH. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different exercise durations using the same intensity compared to a control session on EIH. A total of 36 participants conducted three different exercise sessions on a bicycle ergometer for 30, 45, and 60 min, respectively, in addition to a passive control session. The intensity was set to 75% of the individual's VO2max. Pre and post exercise, pain sensitivity was measured employing pressure pain thresholds (PPT) at the elbow, knee, and ankle joints, as well as the sternum and forehead. In addition, the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) response was conducted pre and post exercise. The results reveal that the exercises neither led to any changes in PPT measured at any landmark nor induced any CPM response effects. These results do not confirm the hypoalgesic effects usually observed after exercise. The reasons explaining these results remain rather elusive but might be explained by the low intensities chosen leading to a milder release of pain inhibiting substances, the landmarks employed for PPT measurements, or potential non-responsiveness of participants.

The Impact of Varied Music Applications on Pain Perception and Situational Pain Catastrophizing

We evaluated how pain processing and situational pain catastrophizing differed between 2 music interventions (Unwind and favorite music) and a control condition (white noise). Healthy adults (n = 70) completed quantitative sensory testing (QST) measuring pressure pain threshold (PPTh) and tolerance (PPTol), heat pain threshold (HPTh), offset analgesia (OA), temporal summation of pain (TSP), and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Participants completed 3 QST rounds with the presence of white noise (control condition), a relaxing music app (Unwind), and their favorite music, which were presented in a randomized order. The Situational Pain Catastrophizing Scale was completed after each round. Friedman tests and post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare pain processing and catastrophizing across the 3 conditions. Participants’ PPTh, PPTol, and HPTh were significantly higher during the favorite music condition compared to the other 2 conditions, indicating lower pain sensitivity when listening to favorite music. In contrast, OA was lower in the favorite music condition. Although TSP and CPM were induced by the QST paradigm, these did not differ across the 3 conditions. Situational pain catastrophizing was also significantly lower during the favorite music condition. Several measures of pain sensitivity and situational pain catastrophizing were lower when listening to favorite music compared to relaxing music or white noise. More research is necessary to determine the mechanism(s) by which music modulates pain processing. PerspectiveThis article presents evidence that participant-chosen favorite music can alter several aspects of nociceptive processing, including catastrophic thinking about pain, compared to white noise or relaxing music. Employing an individual's favorite music during episodic or procedural pain might represent a cost effective adjunctive analgesic strategy.

Novice assessors demonstrate good intra-rater agreement and reliability when determining pressure pain thresholds; a cross-sectional study.

Experienced assessors show good intra-rater reproducibility (within-session and between-session agreement and reliability) when using an algometer to determine pressure pain thresholds (PPT). However, it is unknown whether novice assessors perform equally well. This study aimed to determine within and between-session agreement and reliability of PPT measurements performed by novice assessors and explored whether these parameters differed per assessor and algometer type. Ten novice assessors measured PPTs over four test locations (tibialis anterior muscle, rectus femoris muscle, extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and paraspinal muscles C5-C6) in 178 healthy participants, using either a Somedic Type II digital algometer (10 raters; 88 participants) or a Wagner Force Ten FDX 25 digital algometer (nine raters; 90 participants). Prior to the experiment, the novice assessors practiced PPTs for 3 h per algometer. Each assessor measured a different subsample of ~9 participants. For both the individual assessor and for all assessors combined (i.e., the group representing novice assessors), the standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to reflect within and between-session agreement. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC1,1). Within-session agreement expressed as SEM ranged from 42 to 74 kPa, depending on the test location and device. Between-session agreement, expressed as SEM, ranged from 36 to 76 kPa and the CV ranged from 9-16% per body location. Individual assessors differed from the mean group results, ranging from -55 to +32 kPa or from -9.5 to +6.6 percentage points. Reliability was good to excellent (ICC1,1: 0.87 to 0.95). Results were similar for both types of algometers. Following 3 h of algometer practice, there were slight differences between assessors, but reproducibility in determining PPTs was overall good.

The effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on pain modulation and stress-induced hyperalgesia.

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been implicated in the modulation of pain-related signals. Given this involvement, manipulation of the DLPFC through transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may influence internal pain modulation and decrease pain sensitivity. Acute stress is also thought to affect pain, with increased pain sensitivity observed following the presentation of an acute stressor. A total of 40 healthy adults (50% male), ranging in age from 19 to 28 years (M = 22.13, SD = 1.92), were randomly allocated to one of two stimulation conditions (active and sham). High-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) was applied for 10min at 2mA, with the anode placed over the left DLPFC. Stress was induced after HD-tDCS administration using a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test. Pain modulation and sensitivity were assessed through the conditioned pain modulation paradigm and pressure pain threshold measurements, respectively. Compared to sham stimulation, active stimulation produced a significant increase in pain modulation capacity. No significant change in pain sensitivity and stress-induced hyperalgesia was observed following active tDCS. This research shows novel evidence that anodal HD-tDCS over the DLPFC significantly enhances pain modulation. However, HD-tDCS had no effect on pain sensitivity or stress-induced hyperalgesia. The observed effect on pain modulation after a single dose of HD-tDCS over the DLPFC is a novel finding that informs further research into the utility of HD-tDCS in the treatment of chronic pain by presenting the DLPFC as an alternative target site for tDCS-induced analgesia.

Reliability and minimal detectable difference of pressure pain thresholds in a pain-free population.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and minimal detectable difference (MDD) of pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in pain-free participants with two examiners over two consecutive days in a cross-sectional study design. Examiners used a standardized method to measure and locate a specific testing site over tibialis anterior for PPT testing with a hand-held algometer. The mean of each examiner's three PPT measurements was used to calculate the intraclass correlation coefficient, inter-rater reliability, and intra-rater reliability. The minimal detectable difference (MDD) was calculated. Eighteen participants were recruited (11 female). The inter-rater reliability was 0.94 and 0.96 on day 1 and day 2, respectively. Intra-rater reliability for the examiners was 0.96 and 0.92 on day 1 and day 2, respectively. The MDD on day 1 was 1.24kg/cm2 (CI: 0.76-2.03) and the MDD on day 2 was 0.88kg/cm2 (CI: 0.54-1.43). This study demonstrates high inter- and intra-rater reliability and the MDD values for this method of pressure algometry.

Central sensitization in osteoarthritic knee pain: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to investigate central sensitization and associated factors in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and compare them with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy controls. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 125 participants (7 males, 118 females; mean age: 57.2±8.2 years; range, 45 to 75 years) between January 2017 and December 2018. Sixty-two patients with symptomatic knee OA, 32 RA patients with knee pain, and 31 healthy controls constituted the participants. Central sensitization was investigated with the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements. Pain, functional status, and psychosocial features were assessed with self-reported questionnaires. The OA and RA groups had significantly lower PPT values at local, peripheral, and remote regions compared to the healthy controls. Pressure hyperalgesia was shown at the knee with a 43.5% prevalence, 27.4% at the leg, and 8.1% at the forearm of OA patients. Pressure hyperalgesia was present at the knee, leg, and forearm in 37.5%, 25%, and 9.4% of RA patients, respectively. Pressure pain threshold values, CSI scores, frequency of pressure hyperalgesia, and frequency of central sensitization according to the CSI were not statistically different between the OA and RA groups. Psychosocial features and structural damage were not correlated with PPT values in the OA group. The severity of chronic pain and functional status may be the clinical clues to recognizing patients with central sensitization since local joint damage does not play a direct role in the etiopathogenesis of central sensitization in OA patients and severe pain persisting in the chronic process is associated with central sensitization regardless of the pathogenesis.

Effect of single end-range and not end-range Maitland mobilization on pressure pain threshold and functional measures in knee osteoarthritis: randomised, controlled clinical trial.

Hyperalgesia is attributed to peripheral and central sensitization in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) is a relevant method for evaluating pain sensitivity in knee OA. The effect of end-range and not end-range Maitland mobilization for certain time-period on pain sensitivity has not been investigated in knee OA. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of end-range and not end-range Maitland mobilization compared to sham manual therapy technique on PPT and functional measures. Randomised, controlled clinical trial. Outpatient setting. Sixty-six patients with mild-to-severe knee OA. Twenty-one patients (N.=21) received end-range Maitland mobilization (EMGr), twenty patients (N.=20) received not end-range Maitland mobilization (nEMGr) and twenty-two patients (N.=22) received sham manual therapy technique (CG). All interventions were performed once. Evaluation was conducted pre-, postintervention and on the following consecutive second days within a 6-day period. Outcomes were local and distant PPT, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and strength of passive resistance of knee at onset of pain. Local and distant PPT increased, TUG time and strength of passive resistance decreased immediately, local and distant PPT remained decreased in 6-day and 4-day period, TUG time remained decreased in 6-day period in EMGr (all changes P≤0.017). Local PPT increased immediately compared to baseline in nEMGr. In between group comparison, increase of local, distant PPT and strength of passive resistance endures on 2nd day, 4th day and postintervention, respectively, in EMGr compared to CG. EMGr compared to nEMGr presented significant difference on 6th day and 4th day in local and distant PPT, respectively (all changes P≤0.021). NEMGr presented no significant difference compared to CG on either follow-up. Single end-range Maitland mobilization is effective immediately and in 4-day period on pain sensitization and immediately on physical function compared to not end-range Maitland mobilization and sham manual therapy technique in knee OA. Based on the present results, applying end-range Maitland mobilization is suggested on every second day to maintain alleviation of pain sensitization and increasing passive knee joint mobility effectively in knee OA.

Sensitivity to movement-evoked pain, central sensitivity symptoms, and pro-nociceptive profiles in people with chronic shoulder pain: Aparallel-group cross-sectional investigation.

To investigate whether sensitivity to movement-evoked pain (SMEP), central sensitivity symptom burden, and quantitative sensory testing (QST) outcomes differ between healthy controls and people with chronic shoulder pain. People with chronic shoulder pain (n=39) and healthy controls (n=26) completed validated questionnaires measuring demographic, pain characteristics, psychological factors, social support, sleep quality, central sensitivity inventory (CSI), and physical activity levels. A blinded assessor administered QST measuring pressure pain threshold, temporal summation, conditioned pain modulation, and cold hyperalgesia. All participants performed repeated lifting of weighted canisters and reported severity of pain over successive lifts of the weighted canisters. Between-group differences in the QST, SMEP and CSI scores were investigated. Demographic and psychosocial variables were adjusted in the analyses. Dynamic mechanical allodynia, mechanical temporal summation, movement-evoked pain scores, SMEP index, and CSI scores were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the chronic shoulder pain group than in healthy controls. A significant proportion of people with chronic shoulder pain presented with pro-nociceptive profiles and experienced higher pain severity, interference, and disability. People with chronic shoulder pain displayed symptoms and signs of central sensitization. Future research should investigate the predictive role of central sensitization on clinical outcomes in shoulder pain.

Current Concept of Quantitative Sensory Testing and Pressure Pain Threshold in Neck/Shoulder and Low Back Pain.

In recent years, several published articles have shown that quantitative sensory testing (QST) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) are useful in the analysis of neck/shoulder and low back pain. A valid reference for normal PPT values might be helpful for the clinical diagnosis of abnormal tenderness or muscle pain. However, there have been no reliable references for PPT values of neck/shoulder and back pain because the data vary depending on the devices used, the measurement units, and the area examined. In this article, we review previously published PPT articles on neck/shoulder and low back pain, discuss the measurement properties of PPT, and summarize the current data on PPT values in patients with chronic pain and healthy volunteers. We also reveal previous issues related to PPT evaluation and discuss the future of PPT assessment for widespread use in general clinics. We outline QST and PPT measurements and what kinds of perceptions can be quantified with the PPT. Ninety-seven articles were selected in the present review, in which we focused on the normative values and abnormal values in volunteers/patients with neck/shoulder and low back pain. We conducted our search of articles using PubMed and Medline, a medical database. We used a combination of “Pressure pain threshold” and “Neck shoulder pain” or “Back pain” as search terms and searched articles from 1 January 2000 to 1 June 2022. From the data extracted, we revealed the PPT values in healthy control subjects and patients with neck/shoulder and low back pain. This database could serve as a benchmark for future research with pressure algometers for the wide use of PPT assessment in clinics.

Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of pressure pain threshold assessment in stroke patients.

As pain is a common symptom following a stroke, pressure pain threshold (PPT) assessment can be used to evaluate pain status or pain sensitivity of patients. However, the reliability of PPT test in stroke patients is still unknown. To examine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of PPT measurements in poststroke survivors and explore their factors. An observational study. The setting of the study is a rehabilitation hospital. The population of the study was represented by a total of 54 patients after stroke. The study included 16 measured points on the affected and unaffected sides. PPT was assessed by two raters in turn. Intra- and inter-rater reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). All intra-rater (ICC=0.84-0.97) and inter-rater (ICC=0.83-0.95) reliability for PPT assessment were good or excellent in stroke patients. Of the 16 points, 12 showed higher intra-rater ICC values than inter-rater, whereas no evident difference was observed between the affected and unaffected sides. Furthermore, patients who were male, ischemic, or with higher motor function generally performed higher ICC values than those who were female (24 out of 32 results), hemorrhagic (28 out of 32 results), or mobility dysfunction (26 out of 32 results), respectively. PPT assessment with good or excellent reliability can be used in stroke patients. Neither of the two sides (affected or unaffected) affects PPT reliability, and intra-rater reliability is better than inter-rater reliability. In addition, gender, stroke type, and motor function can affect the reliability of measuring mechanical pain threshold in poststroke survivors. The pressure algometer can be used as a reliable and portable tool to assess the mechanical pain tolerance and sensory function in stroke patients in clinics.