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ALGOMETER RELIABILITY IN MEASURING PRESSURE PAIN THRESHOLD OVER NORMAL SPINAL MUSCLES TO ALLOW QUANTIFICATION OF ANTI-NOCICEPTIVE TREATMENT EFFECTS



Abstract

Introduction: Algometry has been shown to be an effective way of quantifying pressure pain threshold (PPT), although it’s reliability in assessing spinal muscle pain (excluding trigger points) has not been robustly analysed.

Method: Intra-rater test re-test reliability PPT assessment by algometry over the belly of four pairs of spinal muscles, (iliocostalis, multifidus, gluteus maximus and trapezius) in a healthy sample (80 assessments) was analysed. Healthy subjects were tested twice (within 15mins) on three occasions (separated by a week); 240 sets of assessments revealed good within-session reliability (ICC> .91) and good between session reliability (ICC> .87), with a relatively small measurement error (approximately 3kg/cm2) and no systematic difference within session or between sessions.

Conclusion: In conclusion, PPT assessment by algometry is a reliable, both within and between sessions, measure of a subject’s pain. This study provides further validity to the use of this measure as a suitable, convenient method of monitoring treatment effects.

Correspondence should be addressed to Ms Alison McGregor, c/o BOA, SBPR at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.