title: Computerized cuff pressure algometry: A new method to assess deep-tissue hypersensitivity in fibromyalgia.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of computerized cuff pressure algometry (CPA) in fibromyalgia (FM) and to correlate deep-tissue sensitivity assessed by CPA with other disease markers of FM. Forty-eight women with FM and 16 healthy age-matched women were included. A computer-controlled, pneumatic tourniquet cuff was placed over the gastrocnemius muscle. The cuff was inflated, and the subject rated the pain intensity continuously on an electronic Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The subject stopped the inflation at the pressure-pain tolerance and the corresponding VAS-score was determined (pressure-pain limit). The pressure at which VAS firstly exceeded 0 was defined as the pressure-pain threshold. Other disease markers (FM only): Isokinetic knee muscle strength, tenderpoint-count, myalgic score, Beck Depression Inventory, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Student's T-test was used to compare pressure-pain threshold and pressure-pain tolerance and the Mann-Whitney test to compare pressure-pain limit. Pearson's correlation was used to detect linear relationships. Pressure-pain threshold and pressure-pain tolerance assessed by CPA were significantly lower in FM compared to healthy controls. There was no difference in pressure-pain limit. CPA-parameters were significantly correlated to isokinetic muscle strength where more hypersensitivity resulted in lower strength. Pressure-pain threshold and pressure-pain tolerance assessed by CPA were significantly lower in patients with FM indicating muscle hyperalgesia. CPA was associated with knee muscle strength but not with measures thought to be influenced by psychological distress and mood.
authors.affiliation: The Parker Institute, Frederiksberg Hospital, Nordre Fasanvej 57, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark. parker@frh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jespersen
authors.forename: Lene
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dreyer
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kendall
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Graven-Nielsen
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Arendt-Nielsen
authors.forename: Henning
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bliddal
authors.forename: Bente
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Danneskiold-Samsoe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D006930:Hyperalgesia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008365:Manometry / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D017288:Pain Threshold; D010173:Palpation / Q000379:methods*; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity