Scandinavian journal of rehabilitation medicine
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Mar 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPressure algometry in healthy subjects: inter-examiner variability.
The purpose of this study was to estimate inter-examiner reliability of head and neck algometry. Pain perception thresholds were assessed with a mechanical pressure algometer in 21 healthy individuals. Thresholds were assessed at 13 symmetrical points on each side of the head and neck, at the deltoid muscle and at the median finger. ⋯ Inter-examiner reliability of side differences was excellent, with CR = 1.23 kg/cm2. In conclusion, manual algometry with a rather inexpensive mechanical device has a good to excellent inter-rater reliability. When studying patients, however, the possible bias introduced by different examiners should be taken into account, both regarding study design and data analysis.