The repeatability of pressure algometry in asymptomatic individuals over consecutive days

Abstract

Background: To determine if electronic pressure algometry is a statistically stable measure of spinal pressure pain threshold (PPT) in asymptomatic individuals, in particular, to determine if repeated measurements at the same site changes the PPT, and to determine if repeatability differs in each of the spinal regions tested. Design: Repeated measures design. Setting: University teaching clinic. Participants: Thirty-three asymptomatic participants. Interventions: The PPT of three spinal segments (C6, T6 and L4) was measured three times in consecutive measures (10s apart), then repeated one day and two days post-initial measurement. Measurements were taken using an electronic pressure algomet..