文摘
Quantitative sensory testing (QST) can provide useful information about the underlying mechanisms involved in chronic pain. However, currently available devices typically employed suffer from operator-dependent effects, or are too cumbersome for routine clinical care. This paper presents the design and initial validation of a novel automated pressure-pain type QST platform, termed the multi-modal automated sensory testing (MAST) system. The MAST configuration presented consists of wireless, hand-held thumbnail pressure stimulators (with circular 10?mm2 rubber tips) and graphical touch screen interface devices to manage the QST process and obtain patient feedback. Validation testing of the custom-designed force sensor showed a 1?% error for low forces increasing to 2?% error for larger loads up to 100?N (full-scale). Validation of the controller using three ramp rates (64, 248, and 496?kPa/s) and six pressures (32, 62, 124, 273, 620, and 1116?kPa) showed an overall mean error of 1.7?% for applied stimuli. Clinical evaluation revealed decreased pressure pain thresholds in chronic pain patients (98.07?±?SE 16.34?kPa) compared to pain free, healthy control subjects (259.88?±?SE 33.54?kPa, p?=?0.001). The MAST system is portable and produces accurate, repeatable stimulation profiles indicating potential for point-of-care applications.