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Updated: May 15, 2026
09:16
Dynamic Quantitative Sensory Testing to Characterize Central Pain Processing
Published on: February 16, 2017
Test-retest reliability of thermal temporal summation using an individualized protocol
Jiang-Ti Kong1, Kevin A Johnson, Raymond R Balise
1Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Medicine, Stanford Neuroscience and Pain Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.
The Journal of Pain
|January 1, 2013
Summary
Temporal summation (TS), a measure of pain perception, is reliable within and between days. This study developed a new method to generate thermal TS, showing its stability for clinical pain research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Psychophysics
Background:
- Temporal summation (TS) is the heightened pain perception from repeated noxious stimuli.
- TS correlates with spinal cord activity (wind-up) from C-fiber stimulation.
- Reliable TS measurement is crucial for clinical pain research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop an individually adjusted protocol for thermal TS.
- Assess the test-retest reliability of this thermal TS protocol.
- Validate thermal TS as a measure of central nociceptive facilitation.
Main Methods:
- Developed an individually adjusted thermal stimulus protocol.
- Measured TS within-day and between-day (7-day interval).
- Analyzed reliability using intraclass correlation (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated TS in 19/21 participants.
- High test-retest reliability observed (ICC=.97 within-day, ICC=.83 between-days).
- Minimal within-day and between-day variations in TS scores.
Conclusions:
- A novel strategy effectively generates thermal TS in most individuals.
- Thermal TS demonstrates strong test-retest reliability.
- Confirms thermal TS as a stable correlate of central pain processing.
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Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
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Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
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Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
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