Dynamic Methods of Quantitative Sensory Testing

Czech version

Authors: S. Kincová ^1,2; E. Vlčková ^1,2; I. Šrotová ^1,2; J. Raputová ¹; J. Bednařík ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Neurologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno ¹; CEITEC – Středoevropský technologický institut, MU, Brno ²
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2016; 79/112(1): 68-76
Category: Original Paper

Overview

Background:
So called “dynamic quantitative sensory methods” (dQST) represent relatively new QST application which enables to objectify certain mechanisms of pain processing, e.g. central integration or descending control. Their dysfunction may contribute to the development of chronic painful conditions. dQST methods proved the potential to predict the development of chronic postoperative pain. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal summation (TS) are the most commonly used dQST tests.

Patients and methods:
The CPM and TS testing was performed in a group of 77 healthy volunteers (47 women tested in the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, 30 men, age range 19–73) using thermal pain stimuli. Efficiency of CPM and TS mechanism including age and gender influence was evaluated.

Results:
Efficient CPM was found in 84% of healthy volunteers. In remaining 16%, the inefficiency was mainly due to low intensity of testing or modulatory stimuli. Based on the temperature used, efficient TS mechanism was found in 92% or 98% of healthy individuals. Women in the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle showed significantly more efficient CPM comparing to men. No sex differences of TS testing were found. Age had no significant effect on the CPM or TS mechanism in our group of healthy voluteers.

Conclusions:
Our study has verified the applicability of CPM and TS algorithms used. Women in ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle show increased anti-nociceptive setting comparing to men. No significant effect of age on central modulation of pain perception has been found in pain-free healthy individuals.

Key words:
pain perception – nociceptive pain – neuropathic pain – temporal summation – conditioned pain modulation – pain measurement – sex factors – age factors

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE “uniform requirements” for biomedical papers.

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