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A multiple random staircase method of psychophysical pain assessment
R H Gracely1, L Lota, D J Walter
1Clinical Pain Section, Neurobiology and Anesthesiology Branch, National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 U.S.A.
Pain
|January 1, 1988
Summary
This study shows that the multiple random staircase (MRS) method reliably measures pain intensity. This pain assessment tool accurately detected changes caused by the analgesic fentanyl.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychophysics
- Pain Research
Background:
- Assessing painful sensations requires reliable and sensitive methods.
- Traditional methods may rely on subjective psychological units.
- The multiple random staircase (MRS) method offers an alternative approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability and sensitivity of the interactive MRS method for assessing painful thermocutaneous sensations.
- To determine if the MRS method can detect changes in pain perception induced by a narcotic analgesic.
Main Methods:
- 116 subjects rated thermal stimuli intensity using a 4-point scale.
- An interactive MRS procedure adjusted stimulus intensity based on subject responses.
- Staircases for each pain boundary converged within 0.3°C after 12 trials.
Main Results:
- The MRS method demonstrated high reliability, with staircases converging quickly.
- Fentanyl administration significantly increased required stimulus temperatures, indicating reduced pain sensitivity.
- The peak effect of fentanyl was observed 11 minutes post-administration.
Conclusions:
- The MRS method provides a reliable measure of sensory magnitude in stimulus intensity units.
- This pain assessment technique does not rely on assumptions about psychological pain units.
- The MRS method is sensitive to the effects of analgesic drugs.