The Relationship between Rate of Algometer Application and Pain Pressure Threshold in the Assessment of Myofascial Trigger Point Sensitivity

Linde, Lukas D; Kumbhare, Dinesh; Joshi, Maneil; Srbely, John

doi:10.1111/papr.12597

Cited by 22 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…The general trend is to obtain greater autoalgometric values with greater test speeds. These findings are in accord with previous data on heat pain threshold [ 11 ] and deep tissue (large probe) pressure pain threshold [ 8 , 22 , 23 ]. However, the present study also shows that test speed has different effects, depending on: (1) kind of pain threshold (minimal or maximal), (2) gender, and (3) site of stimulation (finger tips or finger backs).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

“…Several studies have described different stimuli to evaluate pain thresholds, such as pressure [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ], heat [ 11 , 12 ], electric current [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], and intra-epidermal injection of chemical substances (e.g., capsaicin [ 19 ] or acid type solution at pH 4.3 [ 20 ]). Despite the fact that the most abundant nociceptors are polymodal, generally different stimuli activate different nociceptors clusters; for this reason, it is important to study all kinds of stimuli to improve all technical aspects of pain threshold evaluation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Autoalgometry: An Important Tool for Pressure Pain Threshold Evaluation

Lorusso

Salerno

Sessa

et al. 2018

JCM

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The term “pain threshold” refers to the measurement of the intensity of a physical stimulus that evokes pain. To estimate the pain threshold, a mechanical or electrical stimulus with increasing intensity is usually applied until the subject under evaluation refers to a pain sensation. This study aims to evaluate the autoalgometric pain threshold as a perfect technique to determine the effects of stimulation rate in relation to both gender and the site of stimulation. In this experimental model, pressure algometry was applied: the subject under evaluation pushed a finger against a small round metal tip, producing and at the same time controlling the intensity of the noxious stimulus. Through autoalgometry, the stimulus intensity was recorded over time, measuring the force change rate applied and studying the subject’s behavior on approaching pain. This test was performed with 50 healthy volunteers on two days, applying a fast or slow rate of stimulation. The results described demonstrate that there is a positive correlation between the pressure increase rate and the pressure threshold evaluation. In light of these findings, autoalgometry can be proposed as an objective measure of pressure pain threshold for clinical and research use.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autoalgometry: An Important Tool for Pressure Pain Threshold Evaluation

Lorusso

Salerno

Sessa

et al. 2018

JCM

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“…The test–retest reliability ( r =0.71–0.94; P <0.001), construct validity, and feasibility of this scale show its suitability for measuring pain in musculoskeletal conditions 18,19. A pressure algometer is a cost-effective, clinically reliable, valid, and feasible tool that is used for the quantification of tenderness and treatment effects in myofascial and musculoskeletal pain 20,21. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) is good (mean ICC =0.75), and the test–retest reliability is excellent (mean ICC =0.84) 22.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 93%

Controlled intervention to compare the efficacies of manual pressure release and the muscle energy technique for treating mechanical neck pain due to upper trapezius trigger points

Kashyap¹,

Iqbal²,

Alghadir³

2018

JPR

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PurposeThis study aimed at comparing the clinical efficacies of two manual therapies to determine the most beneficial result-oriented physiotherapeutic approach for treating nonspecific neck pain due to myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled pretest–posttest experimental study that compared manual pressure release (MPR), the muscle energy technique (MET), and a control condition. These techniques were compared using a convenience sample of 45 female participants with neck pain due to MTrPs (mean age±SD=21.49±3.66; age range=18–30 years). The visual analog scale, pressure pain threshold, Neck Disability Index Questionnaire, and a standardized measuring tape were used to assess the participants’ neck pain, muscle tenderness, functional disability due to neck pain, and range of neck rotation, respectively, at baseline (day 0), day 1, and day 5 postintervention and at days 10 and 15 during follow-up. All groups were given postural advice and at-home neck exercises. Repeated-measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe within-group analyses showed significant improvement (P<0.05) in all outcome measures at days 1 and 5 postintervention and at days 10 and 15 during the follow-up for all groups. The between-group analyses confirmed nonsignificant differences (P>0.05) between all groups for all variables.ConclusionMPR and the MET are equally effective for reducing pain and muscle tenderness and for improving neck disability and range of rotation in patients with nonspecific neck pain. Furthermore, advice promoting postural correction can be an adjunct to physiotherapeutic interventions for reducing neck pain and its symptoms. A combination of these manual therapies with postural advice might be a good treatment option for nonspecific pain in physiotherapy clinics.

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“…The algometry is warmly recommended as an examination method in different scientific studies. It is easy, simple to apply, and reliable in long-term studies [26]. A properly calibrated algometer, in combination with other instruments for pain assessment, is an absolutely appropriate and necessary choice in the so-called auxiliary diagnostics of MFP.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Applicability of the instruments for measuring pain intensity in persons with masticatory myofascial pain

Milekic

Catovic²,

Puškar

et al. 2020

Srp Arh Celok Lek

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Introduction/Objective The most frequent clinical presentation of myofascial pain (MFP) includes the presence of a deep local muscle pain, limited level of movements, heterotopic pain of trigger points in the referent zones, and the loss of the major symptoms by anesthetizing these points. The only manner to objectively and comprehensively evaluate pain, as a multidimensional experience, is by applying multiple methods in its diagnostics. The objective of this paper was to corelate diagnostic possibilities of different quantification instruments for the assessment of pain intensity in persons with masticatory MFP. Methods The study involved 60 subjects, divided into two groups stratified according to their sex and age. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders diagnostic protocol was applied, within which the numeric scale of pain, digital palpation, graded chronic pain scale, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and algometry were used. Results The cardiac power index values are statistically significant and in negative correlation with the algometric measurements (from-0.48 to-0.59) and in positive, statistically significant, correlation with the VAS values (0.71). Conclusion The results of studies we obtained lead us to the conclusion that there is an interdependence of these instruments for the measurement of pain intensity in persons with masticatory MFP and that the VAS and algometry are more objective and precise methods than the manual palpation.

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The Relationship between Rate of Algometer Application and Pain Pressure Threshold in the Assessment of Myofascial Trigger Point Sensitivity

Cited by 22 publications

References 10 publications

Autoalgometry: An Important Tool for Pressure Pain Threshold Evaluation

Autoalgometry: An Important Tool for Pressure Pain Threshold Evaluation

Controlled intervention to compare the efficacies of manual pressure release and the muscle energy technique for treating mechanical neck pain due to upper trapezius trigger points

Applicability of the instruments for measuring pain intensity in persons with masticatory myofascial pain

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