Validation of simple and inexpensive algometry using sphygmomanometer cuff and neuromuscular junction monitor with standardized laboratory algometer.

Background And Aims: The availability, ergonomics and economics prohibit the routine use of algometers in clinical practice and research by the anesthesiologists. A simple bedside technique of quantitative pain measurement would enable the routine use of algometry. We proposed to validate simple pain provocation using sphygmomanometer cuff and the electric stimulation of neuromuscular junction monitor (TOF-guard, Organon Teknika) to measure pain against a standardized laboratory pressure algometer.

A simple thermal pain model for the evaluation of analgesic activity in healthy subjects.

Objective: Assessment of the analgesic effect of an agent in an experimental pain model permits a level of control not possible in a clinical pain setting and is an ideal approach for evaluation of analgesic drugs. The aim of the present study was to establish a simple and reliable method of producing experimental pain, which can be used for screening of various analgesic agents.

Materials And Methods: The standardized method was followed in all cases, by recording thermal pain threshold in seconds in 24 healthy volunteers using hot air source at two different speeds, which is equipped in an acrylic-made chamber adjustable to three different levels.

A simple contact heat experimental pain model for evaluation of analgesic agents in healthy volunteers.

Background: Human experimental pain models help to understand the mechanism of the underlying clinical pain conditions and can be adopted to test analgesic efficacy of drugs used in the management of pain. In early phases, the clinical development of new analgesic agents is severely hindered due to lack of reliable sensitive tests for the experimental pain models.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to standardize and validate a simple contact heat pain model that can be used for future screening of various analgesic agents.