Vibratory stimulation increase the electro-cutaneous sensory detection and pain thresholds in women but not in men

BACKGROUND Vibratory stimulation is a potential method for the treatment of pain. METHODS The effect of vibration on the forearm on detection (DT) and pain thresholds (PT) induced by electro-cutaneous stimulation were investigated in healthy male and female volunteers. RESULTS Women have lower baseline detection and pain thresholds as compared to men. Furthermore, women but not men report increased detection and pain thresholds after vibratory stimulation. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate the potential usefulness of vibratory stimulation for pain treatment, and that gender differences should be considered in future evaluation of the method.