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Gender differences in pressure pain threshold in healthy humans
Linda S Chesterton1, Panos Barlas, Nadine E Foster
1Department of Physiotherapy Studies, McKay Building, Keele University, University Park, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, England, UK Department of Physiotherapy Studies, Keele University, England, UK School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ulster, Jordanstown, N. Ireland, UK School of Health and Social Sciences, Coventry University, England, UK.
Pain
|February 14, 2003
Summary
Healthy females have a significantly lower pressure pain threshold (PPT) than males, a difference consistent across repeated measurements. This finding impacts experimental designs using PPT as an outcome measure.
Area of Science:
- Pain research
- Human physiology
- Experimental psychology
Background:
- Gender differences in pain perception are well-documented but often lack precise quantification.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate interpretation of experimental pain data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify gender disparities in experimental pressure pain threshold (PPT).
- To assess the impact of repeated measurements on these gender differences.
Main Methods:
- Two studies utilized a pressure algometer to measure PPT in the first dorsal interosseous muscle of healthy adults.
- Study 1 involved 240 participants (120 males, 120 females); Study 2 involved 30 participants (15 males, 15 females) with 14 repeated PPT measurements.
- Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance with repeated measures, controlling for age.
Main Results:
- Females consistently exhibited significantly lower mean PPTs than males (approx. 28% difference).
- This gender difference remained stable across 14 repeated measurements over one hour.
- No significant effect of repeated measurements or gender-measurement interaction was observed.
Conclusions:
- Healthy females demonstrate a significantly lower pressure pain threshold compared to males.
- This difference is robust and maintained over repeated testing within an hour.
- The findings have implications for experimental designs utilizing PPT, suggesting careful consideration of gender representation.