Pressure Algometry in the General Adult Population: Age and Sex Differences Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Study finds women and older adults in Iran have lower pain thresholds using pressure algometry. #PainResearch #Algometry

Vesal M¹ ; Roohafza H² ; Feizi A³ ; Asgari K¹ ; Shahoon H⁴ ; Ani A⁵ ; Adibi P⁴
Source: Medicine (United States) Published:2024

Abstract

Experimental pain studies have revealed inter-individual variations in pain perception that are influenced by age, sex, and country of origin. This study aimed to explore the age and sex differences in pressure pain thresholds within the Iranian general population. To assess the pressure pain thresholds, a handheld pressure algometer was applied bilaterally to the middle fingers of both hands. The participants also completed the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire to provide a clinical pain rating. This cross-sectional study included 1610 adult subjects (54.96% female, mean age 40.13 ± 10.18 years). The findings indicated that females generally exhibited lower pain thresholds than males when assessing pain detection and tolerance parameters (P < .001). Females also demonstrated a significant lower pressure thresholds and clinical pain ratings compared with men (P < .001). Additionally, significant differences were observed between age groups in terms of pain detection and tolerance thresholds (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively). However, the interaction between sex and age was not significant. No significant differences in pain detection thresholds were observed between the right and left hand (P = .11). This study underscores the potential utility of algometry as a valuable tool for objectifying pain in the Iranian population. Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.