A comparison between different models of the relation between recorded intradental nerve impulse activity and...

In this study three different models of the relation between intradental nerve impulse activity (INA) and pain report, expressed by finger-span (FS), in man were investigated. The techniques were (i) a previously described mathematical model, (ii) the relation between the Areas of INA and FS and (iii) the relation between the Peaks of INA and FS. Their usefulness in 533 clinical experiments on 15 subjects were evaluated by means of a statistical analysis of the variability and accuracy of the models. It was shown that the mathematical model was the most accurate and stable method of the three different methods investigated. This was indicated by, among other things, a significantly smaller variability for the mathematical model within experimental sessions than between sessions. The two other methods were found to be of less scientific value since they had an undesired high variability within sessions, and also showed contradicting results during control conditions.