Intra-rater reliability of pressure pain threshold using a digital algometer

BackgroundPressure Pain Thresholds (PPT) has been the main sensory modality studied in headache disorders. It is usually repetitive, leading to potential variability between measurements. Since threshold estimation relies on observer, patient, body site, and device used, it important assess measurement reliability specific clinical methodological scenario be order minimize error. ObjectiveThe aim of this study confirm intra-rater PPT head adults using a digital algometer device. MethodsPPT was measured with 3 consecutive assessments conducted 10 min apart. Eight sites were each time at occipital, temporal masseter regions bilaterally, frontal vertex midline. The intra-class (ICC) covariance calculated times 1, 2, 3, all versus mean. Scores above 0,75 considered as having excellent reliability. ResultsTen healthy volunteers aged (21-55) studied. sum 2182 (+-672) KPa for first measure, 2085 (+- 626) second, 2185 (+-685) third, 2150 All ICC coefficients 0,975 or higher areas. ConclusionsWe concluded that one measure reliable repetitive measures excellent. Future studies assessing pain vulnerability predicting occurrence can performed without significant risk bias. Keywords: Pressure PainThreshold, Algometry, Reliability, Intra-class.