Measurement

Presented at: EFIC Virtual Pain Education Summit

Speakers

Harriët Wittink

Physiotherapist and Chair, Lifestyle and Health Research Group, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
BIOGRAPHY
Catherine Doody

Associate Professor, School of Public Health Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland
BIOGRAPHY
Morten Hoegh

Aalborg University, SMI, Owner, FysioDanmark Aarhus, Denmark
BIOGRAPHY

Abstract

Chair: Harriet Wittink, Netherlands

Introduction
Harriet Wittink, Netherlands

QST
Catherine Doody, Ireland

Quantitative sensory tests (QST) are psychophysical tests for the assessment of somatosensory function in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and can be a useful part of the overall biopsychosocial assessment of people with pain. This session will give an overview of the different QST tools that may be used in the clinic for the assessment of somatosensory function, including pressure pain thresholds, temporal summation, conditioned pain modulation, heat and cold pain and detection thresholds, vibration, light touch, pinprick/ blunt pressure sensitivity. The utility of QST to explore the neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for the development or maintenance of pain will be considered. In addition the applicability of QST in predicting outcomes to treatment will be explored.

Biopsychosocial assessment in the clinic
Catherine Doody, Ireland

It is important for Physiotherapists to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to carry out an optimal evidence-based clinical assessment of people with chronic pain which can inform a tailored approach to treatment. A biopsychosocial approach to the assessment of people with chronic pain can best capture the multidimensional aspects of pain, and can inform the Physiotherapists’ management strategies. This session will discuss the assessment of the multiple domains of pain, including intensity, quality and temporal aspects of pain in addition to physical, psychophysical, sensory and affective dimensions using valid and reliable methods. Assessment of pain will also include identification of the different pain mechanisms that may contribute to the generation and maintenance of chronic pain within the context of the biopsychosocial model.

Conditioned pain modulatory

Morten Høgh, Denmark

Q&A

Measurement

Harriët Wittink

Catherine Doody

Morten Hoegh