title: Correlation between Pressure Pain Threshold and Soft Tissue Displacement in Muscle Pain Conditions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the correlation between pressure pain threshold (PPT), displacement pain threshold (DI) and pain visual analog scale (VAS) in patients with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).
  
  
  METHODS
  PPT and DPT were measured in the same time by modified Algometer commander. This study used the algometer for measuring PPT (N/cm2), in three groups of subjects, including DOMS (n=10), MPS (n=10), and asymptomatic (n=10). The DPT represented the displacement of the algometer probe on the skin in millimeters, while measuring PPT The DOMS was induced in the non-dominant biceps brachii muscle. The subjects with active myofascial trigger point (MTrP) at the upper trapezius muscle were recruited into the MPS group. DOMS group rated pain by VAS during elbow movement, while the MPS group rated at resting. Spearman's rank coefficient of correlation was usedfor data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed correlation between PPT and DPT in the asymptomatic biceps brachii muscle (r = 0.77, p = 0.001) andDOMS group (r(s) = 0.65, p = 0.04). No correlation wasfound between MPS and the asymptomatic upper trapezius muscle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A correlation was found between PPTandDPT in biceps brachii muscles. Thisfinding suggested that to assess the DOMS, the PPT and DPT accurately are requiredfor identifying pain and tissue softness.
authors.forename: Sirikam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Somprasong
authors.forename: Keerin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mekhora
authors.forename: Roongtiwa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vachalathiti
authors.forename: Sopa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pichaiyongwongdee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology*; D063806:Myalgia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D011312:Pressure; D055815:Young Adult