An automatized procedure to determine pressure-pain thresholds (pressure algometry), taking the effects of ice packs and cold air as examples

Author(s): Kober, L.

Journal/Book: Physikalische Medizin Rehabilitationsmedizin Kurortmedizin. 1994; 4/5: 173-176.

Abstract: In this study a new automatic device for pressure-pain threshold (PPT) measurement is presented, which reduces sources of error of measurements executed with common hand held pressure algometers. The aim of the study was to compare the analgetic effectiveness of two cryotherapeutic methods. Therefore the right epicondylus lat. of 10 healthy persons (mean age 35.5 years) were treated with cold air stream (10 min, -30 °C, 10001/min) and ice pack (15 min, 0 °C). After cryotherapy with ice pack PPT showed a + 64increase (p < 0.001). PPT was increased with cold air stream treatment by + 117 % (p < 0.001). Control measurements revealed constant values of pain thresholds. We concluded that the presented automatic PPT measurement is a reliable method of quantify analgesic effects in physical therapy.

Keyword(s): Druckschmerzschwelle

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