An Improvement of Mechanical Pain Sensitivity Measurement Method: The Smaller Sized Probes may Detect Heterogeneous Sensory Threshold in Healthy Male Subjects

Abstract

The use of the 0.1-cm(2) probe might be more suitable as an optimized method for the detection of pressure pain sensitivity in clinical studies. In addition, the 0.01-cm(2) probe could potentially serve as an alternative to the weighted needle pinprick, providing continuous quantizing detection for pricking pain sensitivity.

To predict sufentanil requirement for postoperative pain control using a real-time method

“…Pain sensitivity to pressure, measured using a mechanical algometer with a 0.1-cm 2 probe, is suitable for clinical applications, and pain sensitivity to pricking as a continuous variable can be measured using a 0.01-cm 2 probe. [18] In comparison with the conventional weighted method with a graded series of pinprick stimuli, the QPT test requires less time, obtains continuous data, and has a reduced risk of damage and infection, thus making it easier to apply in clinical settings. In the current study, we observed increased changes in PPT, PTO, and QPT 5 minutes after sufentanil infusion, indicating that these measures could successfully reflect the analgesic effect of sufentanil.…”

“…Similar to previous studies, [18,19] a hand-held electronic mechanical algometer (YISIDADS2; Hong Kong, China) was used to measure mechanical pain sensitivity as defined by the pressure pain threshold (PPT) and pressure pain tolerance (PTO) with 0.1 cm 2 probes. We also measured the quantizing pricking pain threshold (QPT) using the mechanical algometer and a 0.01 cm 2 probe.…”

“…2A). [18,20] The investigator applied the algometer for the pressure pain test at location 1, which corresponded to the lateral brachioradialis of the elbow joint. For the pricking pain test at location 2, the investigator applied the algometer to the midpoint of the medial and lateral borders of the wrist.…”

The Effect of SCN9A Variation on Basal Pain Sensitivity in the General Population: An Experimental Study in Young Women

“…In this study, D-PPT and S-PPT tests were performed using a mechanical algometer with 1-cm 2 and 0.1-cm 2 probes, while QPT tests were performed with 0.01-cm 2 probes. As described in our previous study, 14 although the major pain qualities induced by the three probes were dull pressure, sharp pressure, and pricking pain, the actual pain qualities of these assessments were not unique and had some common characteristics. Thus, rs16851778 affected mechanical pain measurements in the same direction for both samples, and this indicated that the findings regarding the pain-related effects of this SNP in the primary sample were strengthened by results of validation in the independent replication sample.…”

“…Finally, the QPT was measured using a mechanical algometer with a .01-cm 2 probe. 14 The investigator applied the algometer to each of the three locations on the right forearm in the following sequential manner: (1) location 1 for dull pressure pain sensitivity measurement (the lateral brachioradialis of the elbow joint); (2) location 2 for sharp pressure pain sensitivity measurement (the midpoint between locations 1 and 3); and (3) location 3 for QPT (the midpoint of the medial and lateral borders of the wrist).…”