• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.69-76
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) on the alteration of pressure pain threshold of myofascial trigger points. We used fifty nine patients with upper trapezius mayofascial pain syndrome. Participants classified according to each group in conventional TENS(high rate, low intensity) and acupuncture like TENS(low rate, high intensity). The test was measured continuously pre test, post-test by algometer. The following results were obtained; 1. Pressure pain threshold were significantly increased in all groups(p<.001). 2. In comparison between groups, pressure pain threshold were not significantly differenced. These results lead us to the conclusion that each method by TENS were significantly increased pressure pain threshold of upper trapezius trigger points. Therefore, a further direction of this study will be to provide more evidence that TENS method have an effect on pressure pain threshold of myofascial trigger points.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.17-21
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate possibilities for quantitative analysis using the electromyography and sonography. For better understanding, we evaluated the correlation between the pressure pain threshold and sonography, spontaneous electrical activity in trigger points located in the upper trapezius muscle. Methods: Thirty three active subjects volunteered to participate in this study (n=33). They had a palpable taut band, exquisite spot tenderness of a nodule in a taut band, spontaneous pain, referred pain, jump sign, local twitch response, and a painful limit to full stretch range of motion. We measured Pressure pain threshold, density, white area index, root mean square, and reaction. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to estimate the relationship between the pressure pain threshold and other variables including density, white area index, root mean square, and reaction time. Results: There were significant correlations between pressure pain threshold and density (r=-0.75, p<0.01), and between pressure pain threshold and white area index (r=-0.74, p<0.01). A significant correlations between pressure pain threshold and root mean square (r=-0.59, p<0.01). The significant correlation was found between pressure pain threshold and reaction time (r=-0.64, p<0.01). Conclusion: These should indicate whether quantitative analysis can be done using the characteristics of electromyography and sonography.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.151-158
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• 2008

Poor posture of the neck and head has long been recognized as a factor contributing to the onset and perpetuation of pain in the head and neck region. This study were to evaluate the change of the neck pressure pain threshold in long term computer users. To elucidate change of the neck pressure pain threshold in long term computer users, the effect of computer using time(3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 hours) on neck pressure pain threshold were studied in 20 subjects. Neck pressure pain threshold were recorded 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 hours group, and evaluated by pressure algometry to Trapezius muscle, Sternocleidomastoidius muscle, Suboccipitalis muscle and Temporalis muscle. Neck pressure pain threshold was significantly larger in 15 hours group(p<.05). But relation between neck pressure pain threshold in male group and female group were not significant differences(p>.05).

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.61-68
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to compare the application method of ultrasound on the alteration of pressure pain threshold of myofascial trigger points. We used thirty patients with mayofascial pain syndrome in upper trapezius. Participants classified according to each group in non noxious dose, noxious dose by the ultrasound. The test was measured continuously pre test, post-test by algometer. The following results were obtained; 1. Pressure pain threshold were significantly increased in non-noxious dose and noxious dose group(p<.001). 2. In noxious dose group, pressure pain threshold were more significantly increased than non-noxious dose group(p<.001). These results lead us to the conclusion that non-noxious dose and noxious dose were significantly increased pressure pain threshold of upper trapezius trigger points. Therefore, a further direction of this study will be to provide more evidence that noxious dose have more effect on pressure pain threshold of myofascial trigger points.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.59-70
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• 2004

The purpose of this study were to determine the changes between pre, during, intermed, post of each two groups of 16 persons and to compare the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) at shenmen of auricular point on experimental pressure pain and tactile threshold measured at both ulnar styloid process and medial malleoli. Sixteen healthy adult men and women, aged 20 to 28 years, were assigned randomly to eight of one groups. Control group received TENS to exception of auricular point. Experimental group received TENS to shenmen of auricular point. Experimental pressure pain and tactile pain threshold at the both ulnar styloid process and medial malleoli was determined with algometer and von frey filament before 10 minute, during 10 minute, intermediate and post 30 min of treatment. In pressure pain and tactile threshold showed a statistically significant increase(p<0.05) ipsilateral and contralateral of treatment group. These results suggest that TENS at shenmen of auricular point has the capability to higher pressure pain and tactile threshold in whole body.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.413-419
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• 2007

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationships among several types of thermal pain thresholds, and pressure pain thresholds. This study was designed to examine whether there were associations among different types of pain thresholds, and among different recording sites for each pain threshold measurement. Pain sensitivity thresholds including cold pain threshold (CPT), heat pain threshold (HPT), heat pain tolerance threshold (PTT), and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of 56 subjects with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders were measured on temporal muscle, masseter muscle, TMJ, and tibial areas. Thermal pain thresholds including CPT, HPT, and PTT did not show any gender differences. However, women showed significantly lower PPTs than men on all recording sites. Three thermal pain thresholds including CPT, HPT, and PTT showed weak to high correlations on all the recording sites (r= 0.324 to 0.754, p<0.05). PPTs did not show any significant correlations between each thermal pain threshold. The pain threshold of each recording site showed weak to high correlations in all pain threshold measures (r= 0.284 to 0.878, p<0.05). Our study demonstrated that thermal pain thresholds, and pain tolerance thresholds were significantly correlated, but did not show any correlation between thermal pain thresholds and pressure pain thresholds. There were relatively high correlations among the pain thresholds of different recording sites.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.391-397
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manual lymph drainage (MLD) on the activity of sympathetic nervous system, anxiety, pain and pressure pain threshold in subjects with psychological stress. Methods: Twenty-nine subjects with psychological stress were randomly assigned to experimental (MLD) and control (rest) groups. This study was performed as a controlled, randomized study using spectral analysis of electrocardiographic (ECG) activities, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT). Results: Heart rate variability differed significantly between the experimental and control groups (p<0.05). Anxiety and pain showed positive change in both group but it were not showed statically differences. The pressure pain threshold in the upper trapezius muscle was increased in the experimental group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the application of MLD was effective in reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, anxiety, pain, and increasing the PPT.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.165-172
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was designed to estimate the effects of Spiral Taping theraphy on low back pain or neck pain patients by using pressure pain threshold, visual analogue scale(VAS), and range of motion(ROM). Methods : The patients were allocated into two groups by randomisation. Spiral Taping theraphy group consisted of 11 patients and acupuncture theraphy group consisted of 10 patients. The degree of improvement of neck pain was evaluated by pressure pain threshold, VAS, and ROM before treatment and after treatment. The patients were commonly treated with acupuncture theraphy. After acupuncture Spiral Taping theraphy was peformed in Spiral Taping theraphy group. Results : Pressure pain threshold and VAS were significantly different between two groups. In Spiral Taping theraphy group the pressure pain threshold of the all points was significantly increased and VAS was significantly decreased than control group. But there was no significant difference between the two groups in ROM. Conclusion : The effectiveness of Spiral Taping theraphy on low back pain and neck pain patients was shown through pressure algometer and VAS. These imply that Spiral Taping theraphy may be useful for on low back pain or neck pain. Further study is needed about Spiral Taping theraphy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1-10
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• 2001

Objective : This study was performed to confirm the effects of acupuncture on myofascial pain syndrome(MPS) through the change of visual analogue scale(VAS) and pain pressure threshold(PPT) and the usefulness of pressure algometer on the evaluation of pain. Methods : We perfomed this study with 20 outpatients complaining of upper back pain. Before acupuncture therapy(AT), immediately after AT and 2-3 days after AT, we respectively checked visual analogue scale(VAS) and pain pressure threshold(PPT) through pressure algometer, with patients seated and relaxed. The PPT was checked at major trigger point of upper trapezius, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, rhomboideus minor. and the patients were needled at the same points and maintained for 15 minutes. Results : VAS of immediately after AT was mild higher than that of before AT, but not significantly different. and VAS of 2-3 days after AT was significantly lower than before AT and immediately after AT. PPT of immediately after AT was lower than before PT, but not significantly different. PPT of 2-3 days after AT was significantly higher than that of before AT and immediately after AT. Also PPT was significantly correlated with VAS. Conclusion : PPT of omen was signicantly lower than that of men. and there was no significant difference by age. PPT was increased according to pain duration. Effectiveness of acupuncture on myofascial pain syndrome through PPT and VAS is showed at 2-3 days after AT rather than immediatly after AT. and pressure algometer is useful for the evaluation of Acupuncture therapy on myofascial pain syndrome.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.19-25
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• 2023

Objective: Patients with scoliosis complain of various symptoms such as muscle imbalance, dysfunction, back pain, abnormal posture and gait abnormality. The most basic treatment for scoliosis is to observe the progress based on conservative treatment. Therefore, in this case report, the effect of cytoskeletal manual therapy (CMT), a soft tissue mobilization technique, on pain intensity, muscle thickness, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in a patient with scoliosis was investigated. Design: A case report Methods: A 25-year-old male diagnosed with scoliosis visited the Neuromusculoskeletal Science Laboratory with chronic back pain. In the laboratory, scoliosis was confirmed through the X-ray image used for his diagnosis, and it was confirmed again through Adam's forward bending test. Pain, pressure pain threshold and muscle thickness were measured to compare the immediate effects of CMT applied in the laboratory for 40 minutes. Treatments were visited two weeks after the first visit and outcome measures were assessed after a total of two visits. Results: After receiving CMT up to the second session, the pain intensity decreased by 4 points and the screening angle decreased by 15 degrees. Muscle thickness decreased in all but 10 mm on the dominant side of the thoracic spine. All of the PPTs increased, and the greatest increase was 3.1 lb on the dominant side of the thoracic spine. Conclusions: CMT showed positive improvement in pain during trunk flexion, spinal curvature, muscle imbalance, and pressure pain, which is considered as an ancillary treatment option for scoliosis management.