Reliability and standard error of measurement of pressure pain thresholds at articular landmarks.

IF 2.8 Q4 CLINICAL NEUROLOGY

British Journal of Pain Pub Date : 2026-06-24 DOI:10.1177/20494637261463704

Fabian Tomschi, Thomas Hilberg

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Pressure pain threshold (PPT) testing is a widely used quantitative sensory testing method to assess mechanical pain sensitivity. While reference values for PPT at articular-/joint-related and osseous landmarks are available, data on measurement reliability remain limited. This study aimed to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of PPT measurements and to report the standard error of measurement (SEM) for joint PPT.

Methods: Healthy participants aged 18-40 years were included in a two-part study. In Part A (N = 40), intra-rater reliability was assessed through three repeated PPT measurements by the same examiner. In Part B (N = 40), inter-rater reliability was evaluated with two different examiners. PPT was measured at joints (elbow, knee, ankle) and reference landmarks (sternum, forehead) using a digital algometer. ICCs (2,k model) and SEM were calculated for each landmark.

Results: Intra-rater reliability was excellent at all landmarks (ICCs ≥ 0.926) except the elbow with a good reliability (ICC = 0.848). Inter-rater reliability was excellent at the sternum (ICC = 0.950) and good at the ankle, knee, elbow, and forehead (ICCs ≥ 0.813). SEM values varied across landmarks, with lowest values observed at reference landmarks sites (e.g., sternum and forehead). ICCs are similar between sexes.

Conclusions: PPT measurements at articular (joints) and bony reference landmarks show good to excellent reliability. These findings support the use of joint PPT in standardized pain sensitivity assessments and provide a basis for clinical and research applications. However, findings are limited to pain-free participants and should be replicated in broader populations.

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关节标志处压力疼痛阈值测量的可靠性和标准误差。

背景：压力痛阈（PPT）测试是一种广泛应用的定量感官测试方法，用于评估机械痛敏感性。虽然在关节/关节相关和骨性标志处PPT的参考值是可用的，但测量可靠性的数据仍然有限。本研究旨在确定PPT测量的内部和内部信度，并报告联合PPT测量的标准误差（SEM）。方法：将18-40岁的健康参与者纳入两部分研究。在A部分（N = 40）中，通过同一审查员的三次重复PPT测量来评估评分者内部的信度。在B部分（N = 40）中，用两个不同的考官来评估评估者之间的信度。使用数字测脂仪测量关节（肘部、膝关节、踝关节）和参考标志（胸骨、前额）的PPT。计算每个地标的ICCs （2，k模型）和SEM。结果：除了肘关节具有良好的信度（ICC = 0.848）外，其他部位的信度均极好（ICC≥0.926）。胸骨的量表间信度极好（ICC = 0.950），踝关节、膝关节、肘部和前额的量表间信度较好（ICC≥0.813）。扫描电镜值在不同的标志上有所不同，在参考标志部位（如胸骨和前额）观察到的值最低。两性间的icc是相似的。结论：关节和骨参考标志的PPT测量具有良好到极好的可靠性。这些发现支持了关节PPT在标准化疼痛敏感性评估中的应用，并为临床和研究应用提供了依据。然而，研究结果仅限于无疼痛的参与者，应该在更广泛的人群中复制。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

British Journal of Pain CLINICAL NEUROLOGY-

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

11.10%

发文量

期刊介绍： British Journal of Pain is a peer-reviewed quarterly British journal with an international multidisciplinary Editorial Board. The journal publishes original research and reviews on all major aspects of pain and pain management. Reviews reflect the body of evidence of the topic and are suitable for a multidisciplinary readership. Where empirical evidence is lacking, the reviews reflect the generally held opinions of experts in the field. The Journal has broadened its scope and has become a forum for publishing primary research together with brief reports related to pain and pain interventions. Submissions from all over the world have been published and are welcome. Official journal of the British Pain Society.