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Pain pressure threshold algometry in knee osteoarthritis: intra- and inter-rater reliability
Martin Bjørn Stausholm1, Jan Magnus Bjordal1, Rolf Moe-Nilssen1
1Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
|January 12, 2022
Summary
Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) algometry reliably assesses pain in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This method shows good intra-rater reliability and acceptable inter-rater reliability after brief training, making it suitable for KOA pain assessment.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Synovitis and effusion in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can lead to pain sensitization.
- Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) algometry quantifies somatosensory abnormalities, including hyperalgesia.
- Investigating the reliability of PPT algometry is crucial for its clinical application in KOA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability of PPT algometry in individuals with KOA.
- To evaluate both intra-rater and inter-rater reliability using three independent assessors.
- To determine the suitability of PPT algometry for quantifying pain in KOA patients.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven individuals (50 knees) with KOA were included.
- PPT was measured using a digital pressure algometer on the most tender joint line spot.
- Three physiotherapists performed three measurements per knee in a single session; two had no prior experience.
Main Results:
- Intra-rater Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) ranged from 0.909 to 0.956, indicating good reliability.
- Inter-rater ICC was 0.707, considered acceptable.
- Minimal Detectable Differences (MDDs) were 9.11–15.23 N for intra-rater and 25.01 N for inter-rater assessments.
Conclusions:
- PPT algometry is a suitable method for assessing pain in osteoarthritic knees.
- Good intra-rater and acceptable inter-rater reliability were achieved after a short training session.
- PPT algometry can be reliably used in clinical settings for KOA pain evaluation.
