Iwona Wilk, Tomasz Matuszewski, Magdalena Tarkowska, Wojciech Kiebzak

I. Wilk, T. Matuszewski, M. Tarkowska, W. Kiebzak – Evaluation of the pressure pain threshold using an algometer. FP 2015; 15(1); 16-23

Abstract

Introduction. Measurement methods are a_very important element in physiotherapy diagnostics to ensure measurement accuracy, repeatability, availability and they should be relatively easy. Properly performed diagnostics allows proper selection of therapy, ensures higher efficacy of the undertaken activities and allows to obtain the desired effects. The measurement of the pressure pain threshold with the use of an algometer is one of the methods applied more and more frequently by therapists. The method provides an objective, accurate and reproducible assessment.
Material and methods. The study included 20 healthy, young subjects, aged 20 to 30 years. They were subjected to classical massage of the back, which involved selected superficial and deep muscles. The procedure took 20 minutes. Before the massage and immediately afterwards, with the use of an algometer there was measured the pressure pain threshold of the selected back muscles at the site of bone attachments.
Results. After classical massage application, there were noted increased values of pressure pain threshold of selected back muscles attachments. Statistically significant differences were obtained in the case of the trapezius muscles – descending and transverse part.
Conclusions. The measurement of pressure pain threshold with the use of an algometer is an objective method which allows imaging of the effects of the applied therapy, in this case the effect of massage on the pressure pain threshold.

Key words:
pressure pain threshold, classical massage, algometer

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