A challenge is always presented when attempting to measure the pain an individual patient experiences. Unfortunately, present technologies rely nearly exclusively on subjective techniques. Using these current techniques, a physician may use a manually operated algometer and a series of questionnaires to gauge an individual patient’s pain scale. Unfortunately these devices and test methods have been suggested to introduce error due to variability and inconsistent testing methods. Some studies have shown large variability, while others have shown minimal variability, both between patients and within the same patient during multiple testing sessions. Recent studies have also shown a lack of correlation between pain threshold and pain tolerance in pain sensitivity tests. Hand-held algometer devices can be difficult to maintain consistent application rates over multiple test periods, possibly adding to widespread variability. Furthermore, there are limited test results that correlate pain ratings with biological measures in real time. The computer-controlled pressure algometer described is not hand-held or dependent on significant examiner input. This new device is capable of recording electrocardiograph (ECG), blood pressure (BP), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and pressure pain tolerance (PPTol) in real time. One major goal is the capability of correlating pain stimuli with algometer pressure, heart rate, and blood pressure. If a predictable correlation between vital signs and pain could be established, significant gains in the understanding of pain could result. Better understanding of pain will ultimately lead to improvements in treatment and diagnosis of pain conditions, helping patients and physicians alike.
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e-mail: mark.rentschler@colorado.edu
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September 2011
Research Papers
Design and Evaluation of a Computer-Controlled Pressure Algometer
Michael M. Zimkowski,
Michael M. Zimkowski
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Colorado Boulder
, 1111 Engineering Drive, 427 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309
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Emily M. Lindley,
Emily M. Lindley
Assistant Professor Department of Orthopaedics,
University of Colorado Denver
, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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Vikas V. Patel,
Vikas V. Patel
Associate Professor Department of Orthopaedics,
University of Colorado Denver
, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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Mark E. Rentschler
Mark E. Rentschler
Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering,
e-mail: mark.rentschler@colorado.edu
University of Colorado Boulder
, 1111 Engineering Drive, 427 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0427
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Michael M. Zimkowski
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Colorado Boulder
, 1111 Engineering Drive, 427 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309
Emily M. Lindley
Assistant Professor Department of Orthopaedics,
University of Colorado Denver
, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, Colorado 80045
Vikas V. Patel
Associate Professor Department of Orthopaedics,
University of Colorado Denver
, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, Colorado 80045
Mark E. Rentschler
Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Colorado Boulder
, 1111 Engineering Drive, 427 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0427e-mail: mark.rentschler@colorado.edu
J. Med. Devices. Sep 2011, 5(3): 031002 (6 pages)
Published Online: July 27, 2011
Article history
Received:
August 19, 2010
Revised:
May 27, 2011
Online:
July 27, 2011
Published:
July 27, 2011
Citation
Zimkowski, M. M., Lindley, E. M., Patel, V. V., and Rentschler, M. E. (July 27, 2011). "Design and Evaluation of a Computer-Controlled Pressure Algometer." ASME. J. Med. Devices. September 2011; 5(3): 031002. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004416
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