Pressure algometry over normal muscles. Standard values, validity and reproducibility of pressure threshold

Abstract

Fibrositis, myalgic spots, activity of arthritis as well as assessment of sensitivity to pain can be diagnosed by PTM. This study therefore established standards for pressure threshold as well as the reproducibility and validity of measurement in 24 male and 26 female normal volunteers at 9 sites. Muscles frequently afflicted by trigger points were examined. The deltoid was chosen as a reference since it is rarely a site for trigger points. Comparison of corresponding muscles on opposite sides failed to demonstrate significant differences (except for 1 muscle in females). These identical results obtained over muscles of opposite sides proved the excellent reproducibility and validity of pressure threshold measurement. Results serve as a reference for clinical diagnosis of abnormal tenderness and for documentation of treatment results. The sensitivity of individual muscles varies. Therefore the results presented should be kept in mind when diagnosis of pathological tenderness by palpation is attempted. *Correspondence to: Andrew A. Fischer, Rehabilitation Medicine Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, 130 W. Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468 U.S.A. (Received 20 May 1986; revised received 26 November 1986; accepted 1 December 1986.( © Lippincott-Raven Publishers....