Test-Retest reliability and concurrent validity of novel nerve testing device for thermal detection and thermal pain thresholds

Abstract

Thermal threshold testing is important for evaluating the thermal function of small-fibre nerve types C and A-delta. This study investigated the reliability and validity of a novel nerve testing device (NNTD) in evaluating thermal detection and thermal pain thresholds. Test-retest reliability of the NNTD and its concurrent validity compared to the current technology (Medoc TSA-2, Advanced Thermosensory Stimulator, Israel) were investigated among 10 healthy participants. Each participant was tested for the warm detection threshold (WDT), cold detection threshold (CDT), hot pain threshold (HPT) and cold pain threshold (CPT) on the medial forearm with NNTD for two trials and the Medoc TSA-2 for one trial over two consecutive days. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient values, Standard Error of Measurement and Bland Altman plots were calculated for test-retest reliability. One-way ANOVA and Bland Altman plots were calculated for validity. The test-retest reliability of the NNTD was good for CPT (ICC = 0.88), moderate for WDT (ICC = 0.545) and HPT (ICC = 0.710). The NNTD was valid for both trials of HPT and CPT and one trial for WDT compared to the Medoc TSA-2. In conclusion, the NNTD showed good to moderate reliability and was found to be valid compared to the Medoc TSA-2.

Keywords:

• Thermal detection
• pain
• threshold
• reliability
• validity
• nerve

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank the Department of Research, Enterprise and Social Partnerships, University of Brighton, the United Kingdom for all the sincere support and assistance provided to the research study. The current study is supported by Innovation Kick Start Funding awarded by the University of Brighton.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest

Additional information

Funding

This project was partially funded by the University of Brighton Innovation Kick Start Award. The funds received went directly towards the purchasing of components for the prototype.