Test-retest reliability of subjective supra-threshold scaling of multiple pressure-pain sensations among healthy individuals: a study using hydraulic pressure algometry

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Supra-threshold scaling of multiple pressure-pain sensations involves delivery of varied stimulus intensities, either via stimulus-dependent or response-dependent manner, and recording of subjective pain ratings by participants. The focus of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-session reliability of pain intensity and pain unpleasantness ratings related to pressure-pain thresholds (PPTs) of just noticeable pain (JNP), weak pain (WP) and moderate pain (MP) among healthy individuals. METHODS: Fourteen healthy participants (eight women, six men) participated in three sessions of testing at varied intervals over the course of 72 h. In session one, a multiple random stair..