WAIS-IV Verbal Comprehension Index and Perceptual Reasoning Index Performance is Unaffected by Cold-Pressor Pain Induction

Abstract

Cognitive complaints are frequently reported by patients with chronic pain, but studies of the effects of pain on different forms of cognition have been inconsistent. In two studies, cold-pressor pain was induced in nonclinical undergraduate volunteers who, under normal conditions, took Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) subtests (Study 1, n = 57) or Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) subtests (Study 2, n = 59) followed by a different VCI or PRI subtest taken during either cold-pressor pain induction or a nonpainful control condition. Pain was not associated with significant reduction in subtest scaled score performance. Results indicate that cold-pressor pain in nonclinical volunteers does not impair Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) VCI or PRI performance and suggest that pain per se should not be expected to substantially influence these cognitive abilities. Viewed together with previous Processing Speed Index and Working Memory Index studies, no cognitive or intellectual functions measured by the WAIS-IV are affected by induced pain. Generalizability of these findings may be limited by the fact that patients with chronic pain may differ in their pain experience from nonclinical volunteers with induced pain.

Key words:

• assessment/diagnosis
• cognition
• tests

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The assistance of the following graduate student research assistants was invaluable and is gratefully acknowledged: Claire Allen, Rebecca Cormier, Nicolle Cumley, Meaghan Elek, Michele Green, Amanda Kruger, Laura Pacheco, Gabe Robinson, and Holly Welch.

Notes

F = female, M = male; R = right-handed, L = left-handed; A = Asian, AA = African American, H = Hispanic, MI = Middle Eastern, W = White.

^a Pain ratings were averaged across subtest administration and were based on a 0-to-10 scale where 0 represented no pain.

F = female, M = male; R = right-handed, L = left-handed; A = Asian, AA = African American, H = Hispanic, MX = Mixed Race, N = Native American, W = White.

^a Pain ratings were averaged across subtest administration and were based on a 0-to-10 scale where 0 represented no pain.