European journal of pain : EJP
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Was it less painful for knights? Influence of appearance on pain perception.
Pain perception is a subjective experience shaped by different factors. In this study, we investigated the influence of a visually manipulated appearance of a virtual arm on pain perception. Specifically, we investigated how pain perception and vegetative skin responses were modified by inducing a virtual protection on the right arm by a virtual armour. ⋯ A virtual, covered arm causes differences in reported pain ratings. Physiological measurements do not confirm the findings. Visual information about body protection can have an impact on pain perception.
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Neuropathic pain (NeuP) is a frequent sequel of spinal cord injury (SCI). The SCI Pain Instrument (SCIPI) was developed as a SCI-specific NeuP screening tool. A preliminary validation reported encouraging results requiring further evaluation in terms of psychometric properties. The painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ), a commonly applied NeuP assessment tool, was primarily validated in German, but not specifically developed for SCI and not yet validated according to current diagnostic guidelines. We aimed to provide convergent construct validity and to identify the optimal item combination for the SCIPI. The PDQ was re-evaluated according to current guidelines with respect to SCI-related NeuP. ⋯ In SCI-related pain, both SCIPI and PainDETECT show strong convergent construct validity versus the current IASP-grading system. SCIPI is now optimized from a 7-item to an easy-to-apply 4-item screening tool in German and English. We provided evidence that the scope for PainDETECT can be expanded to individuals with SCI.
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Previous studies have indicated that neck pain patients feel increased symptoms following upper limb activities, and altered axioscapular muscle function has been proposed as a contributing factor. ⋯ Neck pain patients report increased symptoms following upper limb activities. This study shows that repeated arm movements caused differentiated responses in pain sensitivity and muscle activity between subgroups of neck pain patient and asymptomatic controls. Such findings may be of great clinical significance when planning rehabilitation for this patient population.
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Pain in adolescence is associated with mental health problems, the main reason for work disability in young adults. This study explores the relationship between multisite musculoskeletal pain in adolescence and later medical (sickness and medical rehabilitation benefits) and social welfare benefits, adjusted for sociodemographic, adolescent psychosocial and mental health problems. ⋯ Adolescents with multisite musculoskeletal pain are at substantially increased risk of health and social difficulties into young adulthood. Identification and interventions for these adolescent problems could alleviate this risk and be a sound socioeconomic investment.
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Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is known to negatively affect psychosocial functioning as expressed by enhanced levels of anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to specify diabetes and pain-related fears. ⋯ This study shows that patients with PDN suffer from various fears, which should enable us to design a treatment strategy that directly targets these fears, hereby improving physical and psychosocial well-being in these patients.