A repeat-measures comparison of the analogue and digital pressure threshold metres: Do they differ in sensitivity?

Abstract

Objectives

There has been ample research published to demonstrate the validity and sensitivity of the pressure threshold metre, but none to assess the competence of the analogue metre as compared to the more commonly used digital version. This paper aims to compare the two different types of metre.

Method

A total of 160 measurements were taken from each metre for comparison.

Results

A Bland–Altman plot showed the measurements from both metres to be in excellent agreement, while a strong correlation was also evident.

Discussion

Where changes in excess of 1 kg/cm² are being sought, both devices perform satisfactorily and there is little or nothing to advance the case for 1 m over the other. Since the minimum clinically significant change is thought to be 1.5 kg/cm either metre should function satisfactorily in the clinical setting.

Keywords:

• Algometry
• Pressure threshold testing
• Sensitivity
• Pain