Experimental pain thresholds and psychosocial features across menstrual cycle in myofascial orofacial pain compared to healthy individuals: cross-sectional study / Limiares de dor experimental e características psicossociais ao longo do ciclo menstrual na dor miofascial orofacial em comparação com indivíduos saudáveis: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hormonal impact on pain perception during the menstrual cycle is a major focus of study, and further elucidation in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) field is necessary. Thus, this cross-sectional study evaluated experimental pain thresholds, psychosocial features, and clinical pain report on TMD women across menstrual cycle versus healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 220 women's clinical files were screened, with 80 selected and divided into control group (healthy individuals, n=40) and TMD group (myofascial pain, n=40). Regarding the menstrual cycle phases, the files were divided into Pre-Luteal and Luteal. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Mechanical Pain Threshold (MPT), Wind-up (WUR), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were analyzed at a 5% significance level, by Two-Way ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: PSS and PCS were significantly different between TMD and control group (p<0.001), regardless of menstrual cycle. Healthy individuals in the Luteal phase presented higher MPT values compared to the other phases (p<0.001). PPT showed significant difference across menstrual phases (p=0.022), but no differences in multiple comparisons. VAS values showed no difference between menstrual cycle phases (p=0.376). CONCLUSION: Finally, healthy individuals in the Luteal phase have higher MPT and PPT values on the orofacial region. Pain report in patients with TMD showed no difference throughout the menstrual cycle, showing that small alterations on experimental pain thresholds may not be clinically relevant. The presence of chronic pain seems to be more related to psychosocial features than hormonal fluctuations.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O impacto do ciclo menstrual na percepção da dor é um foco importante de estudo, sendo necessária uma maior elucidação na disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). Assim, este estudo transversal avaliou limiares de dor experimental, características psicossociais e relatos de dor em mulheres com DTM ao longo do ciclo menstrual, comparadas com controles saudáveis. MÉTODOS: 220 prontuários de mulheres foram analisados, sendo 80 selecionados para os grupos de controle (saudáveis, n=40) e DTM (dor miofascial, n=40). Nas fases do ciclo menstrual, as pacientes foram divididas nas categorias Pré-Luteal e Luteal. Os instrumentos Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS), Escala de Pensamentos Catastróficos (PCS), Limiar de Dor Mecânica (MPT), Wind-up Ratio (WUR), Limiar de Dor à Pressão (PPT), Modulação Condicionada da Dor (CPM) e Escala analógica visual (EAV) foram analisados com nível de significância de 5%, pelos testes ANOVA de dois fatores e Tukey post hoc. RESULTADOS: As escalas PSS e PCS foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos DTM e controle (p<0,001), independentemente do ciclo menstrual. Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal apresentaram MPT maior em comparação com outras fases (p,0,001). O PPT mostrou diferença significativa entre as fases menstruais (p=0,022), sem diferença nas comparações múltiplas. Os valores da EAV não apresentaram diferença entre as fases menstruais (p=376). CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos saudáveis na fase luteal têm MPT e PPTl maior na região orofacial. Os relatos de dor em pacientes com DTM não mostraram diferença ao longo do ciclo menstrual, indicando que pequenas alterações nos limiares experimentais podem ser clinicamente relevantes. A presença de dor crônica parece estar mais relacionada com características psicossociais do que com flutuações hormonais.

Utilização da algometria e termografia infravermelha como instrumentos de avaliação da dor: uma revisão sistemática / Use of algometry and infrared thermography as tools for pain evaluation: a systematic review

Infrared thermography is a technique used for complementary diagnosis of pain, through the presentation of thermal images with an infrared sensor that assesses body surface temperature. Pressure algometry is an objective method that seeks to quantify pain at specific points. Both techniques have been employed for diagnostic purposes. Objective: To review the literature on publications that addressed the use of thermography and algometry in combination as an assessment tool in studies of evaluation of pain. Method: This was a systematic review conducted on Pubmed, Bireme and Scielo databases, using the following descriptors: "thermography" AND "pain threshold", and "thermography" AND "pain tolerance", without limitation of publication date, in English and Portuguese, in September 2020. Eligibility criteria for the studies were: use of thermography in combination with algometry in aimed at the outcome of temperature variation in chronic painful processes in humans. Results: The search resulted in thirty-two studies, and after abstract analysis, twenty-two were excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria. The remaining ten were read in full and made up the present review. Conclusion: Although few studies have employed both techniques in the same diagnostic assessment method, the use of algometry and thermography in combination may provide objective measures of subjective symptoms, which can bring a great contribution to the diagnostic accuracy and clinical monitoring of patients affected by painful processes.

A termografia infravermelha é uma técnica utilizada para diagnóstico complementar da dor, através da apresentação de imagens térmicas com uma câmera infravermelha que mensura a temperatura da superfície do corpo. A algometria de pressão é um método objetivo que busca quantificar a dor em pontos determinados. Ambas as técnicas vem sido empregadas para finalidades diagnósticas. Objetivo: Revisar a literatura acerca das publicações que abordaram a utilização da termografia e algometria em conjunto como instrumentos de avaliação da dor. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados Pubmed, Bireme e Scielo utilizando os seguintes descritores: "thermography" AND "pain threshold", e "termografia" AND "tolerância à dor", sem limitação por data de publicação, em inglês e português, no mês de setembro de 2022. Os critérios de elegibilidade para os estudos foram: utilização da termografia em conjunto com a algometria na busca do desfecho variação da temperatura em processos dolorosos crônicos em seres humanos. Resultados: A busca resultou em trinta e dois estudos, e após a análise dos resumos, vinte e dois foram excluídos por não preencherem os critérios de inclusão, restando dez que foram lidos na íntegra e que compuseram a presente revisão. Conclusão: Apesar da algometria e termografia se apresentarem como técnicas pragmaticamente válidas no estudo da dor, esta revisão mostrou que poucos estudos incluíram em seu desenho a combinação destas técnicas como instrumentos de avaliação.

Patients with fibromyalgia present different pain phenotypes compared to patients with generalized pain / Pacientes com fibromialgia apresentam fenótipos de dor diferentes em comparação com pacientes com dor generalizada

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Fibromyalgia and generalized pain represent a global health problem and are distinct musculoskeletal disorders, but there is an overlap in the clinical presentation between these conditions. However, no study has compared pain characteristics between patients with fibromyalgia and patients with generalized pain. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare pain characteristics and functional limitation of patients with fibromyalgia and patients with generalized pain. METHODS A pre-planned secondary analysis of data collected from 311 patients with musculoskeletal pain was performed. Pain characteristics included pain intensity, pain duration, pain area, symptoms of central sensitization, presence of neuropathic-like symptoms, and the conditioned pain modulation. The Patient-Specific Functional Scale assessed functional limitation. RESULTS 98 patients with generalized pain were identified, being 58 (59.18%) classified in the fibromyalgia group and 40 (40.82%) classified in the generalized pain group. Significant differences were found between groups for Widespread Pain Index, Symptom Severity Scale, and Polysymptomatic Distress Scale. Participants with fibromyalgia presented higher values of pain intensity (fibromyalgia = 7.29±2.07, generalized pain = 6.05±2.47; p=0.008), neuropathic-like symptoms (fibromyalgia = 17.74±7.62, generalized pain = 12.17±6.41; p=0.005), and symptoms of central sensitization (fibromyalgia = 51.32±14.26, generalized pain = 33.97±14.65; p<0.001), when compared with generalized pain. There was no significant difference in conditioned pain modulation and functional limitation between groups. CONCLUSION Patients with fibromyalgia exhibited unfavorable pain characteristics, including pain intensity, neuropathic-like symptoms, and symptoms of central sensitization compared to patients with generalized pain. However, pain duration, functional limitation, and conditioned pain modulation did not present meaningful differences between groups.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS Fibromialgia e dor generalizada representam um problema de saúde global e são distúrbios musculoesqueléticos distintos, mas há uma sobreposição na apresentação clínica entre essas condições. Entretanto, nenhum estudo comparou as características da dor entre os pacientes com estas condições. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar as características da dor e a limitação funcional de pacientes com fibromialgia e dor generalizada. MÉTODOS Realizou-se uma análise secundária pré-planejada de dados coletados de 311 pacientes com dor musculoesquelética. As características da dor incluíram: intensidade da dor, duração da dor, área da dor, sintomas de sensibilização central, presença de sintomas neuropáticos e a modulação condicionada da dor. A escala de funcionalidade específica do paciente avaliou a limitação funcional. RESULTADOS Identificou-se 98 pacientes com dor generalizada, sendo 58 (59,18%) classificados no grupo de fibromialgia e 40 (40,82%) no grupo de dor generalizada. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas entre os grupos para o índice de dor generalizada, escala de severidade de sintomas e escala polissintomática de sofrimento. Os participantes com fibromialgia apresentaram maiores valores de intensidade da dor (fibromialgia = 7,29±2,07, dor generalizada = 6,05 ± 2,47; p=0,008), sintomas neuropáticos (fibromialgia = 17,74±7,62, dor generalizada = 12,17 ± 6,41; p=0,005) e sintomas de sensibilização central (fibromialgia = 51,32±14,26, dor generalizada = 33,97±14,65; p<0,001), quando comparados à dor generalizada. Não houve diferença significativa na modulação condicionada da dor e na limitação funcional entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO Pacientes com fibromialgia exibiram características de dor desfavoráveis, incluindo intensidade de dor, sintomas neuropáticos e sintomas de sensibilização central, quando comparados a pacientes com dor generalizada. Entretanto, a duração da dor, a limitação funcional e a modulação condicionada da dor não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os grupos.

A study of pain perception by cold pressure test in young females during the different phases of menstrual cycle

Background: Menstruation is a cyclic physiological phenomenon showing fluctuations of various Gonadal hormones. Gonadal hormones (estrogen and progesterone) influences pain sensitivity, the former strongly influences nociceptive actions; whereas the latter prevents neuropathic pain some previous study has shown changes in pain sensitivity during menstruation. However, there is only little evidence present on effect of Gonadal hormones on experimental pain Sensitivity. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to differentiate in Sensation of pain stimulus in terms of - pain threshold, pain tolerance, pain intensity, pain unpleasantness in females with normal menstruation during different phases through using cold presser test. Materials and Methods: A total of 55 normal healthy females were enrolled in the study as per the eligibility criteria. Cold presser test was used as a pain stimulus source. The participants were instructed to hold their least dominant hand in the water bath as long as possible and were requested to inform the first sensation of pain which denoted the participants’ pain threshold. Time from pain threshold to the point where participants could no longer cope with pain and indicate stop, was recorded as pain tolerance. At this point, participants were directed to note pain intensity and unpleasantness on the visual analogue scale. Results: The results showed that high significant pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, and pain tolerance level were highly significant during follicular phase than luteal phase. Conclusion: In our study, we concluded pain perception difference across during different phase of menstruation in the form of high significant pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, and pain tolerance during follicular phase due to the hormonal fluctuation and the differences in autonomic nervous system reactivity these would be the underlying mechanism for these findings.

Revealing characteristics and rules of acupoint sensitization phenomena: based on knee osteoarthritis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the characteristics and rules of acupoint sensitization phenomena based on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), one of the clinical dominant diseases of acupuncture-moxibustion.@*METHODS@#In combination with literature and expert experiences, the acupoints with the highest use frequency in treatment of KOA were screened, e.g. Heding (EX-LE 2), Liangqiu (ST 34), Mingmen (GV 4), Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Ququan (LR 8) and Dubi (ST 35). In 814 patients with KOA and 217 healthy subjects, the acupoint temperature, mechanic pain threshold and pressure pain threshold were detected separately. Using machine learning method, the sensitization was judged at each acupoint.@*RESULTS@#Compared with healthy subjects, the acupoint temperature was increased and the mechanic pain threshold and pressure pain threshold were reduced in KOA patients (P<0.05). Besides, the cut-off value was presented to distinguish whether the acupoint was sensitized or not. The results of machine learning showed that the highest prediction accuracy of acupoint sensitization was 86.7% (Shenshu [BL 23]) and the lowest one was 73.9% (Heding [EX LE 2]). The prediction accuracy at the third clinical stage trial was higher, the highest was 93.3% (Ququan [LR 8]) in KOA patients.@*CONCLUSION@#It is confirmed that the acupoint sensitization reflects the characteristics of disease and is correlative with the conditions of illness, which may provide the reference for the auxiliary diagnosis and condition assessment of KOA.

Sex and age differences in sensory threshold for transcutaneous electrical stimulation / Diferenças de sexo e idade no limiar sensitivo para estimulação elétrica transcutânea

Abstract Introduction Pain is one of the main symptoms prevalent in most pathologies. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) represents not only a therapeutic measure, but also a mean to quantify the neurosensory and pain perception in patients with chronic pain. Objective To evaluate the relationship between sex and age with neurosensory thresholds (sensory threshold and tolerance threshold) in the application of therapeutic current in patients with chronic pain. Methods Forty-five patients with chronic pain (30 women and 15 men) aged between 24 and 87 years were selected. Each patient answered the Individual Questionnaire, McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Subsequently, the electric current was applied, through which the sensory and pain thresholds were analyzed, as well as the perception of activation of the neurosensory pathways for each individual. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 24.0 for Windows. Results There was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between a possible depressive diagnosis and the perception of current by the sensory and pain thresholds. Regarding sex, there was a significant difference in sensory thresholds (p = 0.003) between men and women, while no statistical differences were observed between sexes for pain complaint and pain threshold (p > 0.05). For the correlational analysis, a significant correlation (p = 0.05) was identified between the variables BMI and pain tolerance threshold (r = 0.68) for females and age and sensory threshold (r = 0.65) for males. Conclusion The sex and age variables are important in the measurement of TENS parameters because they lead to significant differences in sensory and pain thresholds.

Resumo Introdução A dor é um dos principais sintomas preva-lentes na maioria das patologias. A estimulação elétrica ervosa transcutânea (TENS) se apresenta não apenas como medida terapêutica, como também um meio de quantificar a percepção neurossensitiva e dolorosa em pacientes com dores crônicas. Objetivo Avaliar a relação entre sexo e idade com os limiares neurossensitivos (limiar sensitivo e limiar de tolerância) na aplicação da corrente terapêutica TENS, em pacientes com dores crônicas. Métodos Foram selecionados 45 pacientes com dores crônicas (30 mulheres), com idade entre 24 e 87 anos. Cada paciente respondeu ao Questionário Individual, ao Questionário McGill de Dor (MPQ) e ao Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI). Posteriormente, aplicou-se a corrente elétrica TENS, pela qual foram analisados o limiar sensitivo e doloroso, bem como a percepção de acionamento das vias neurossensitivas para cada indivíduo. Os dados foram analisados pelo pacote SPSS 24.0 for Windows. Resultados Não houve correlação significativa (p > 0,05) entre possível diagnós-tico depressivo e a percepção da corrente pelos limiares de sensibilidade e dor. Em relação ao sexo, houve diferença significativa nos limiares sensitivos (p = 0,003) entre homens e mulheres. Já para a queixa de dor e limiar de dor, não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre os sexos (p > 0,05). Para as análises correlacionais, identificou-se correlação significativa (p = 0,05) entre as variáveis de índice de massa corporal e limiar de tolerância à dor (r = 0,68) para o sexo feminino e idade e limiar sensitivo (r = 0,65) paro o sexo masculino. Conclusão As diferenças identificadas entre os limiares de sensibilidade entre os sexos, onde as mulheres identificaram o estímulo elétrico significativamente primeiro que os homens, podem auxiliar nas doses de intensidade ou tipo de corrente terapêutica dos pacientes.

Immediate effect of quick massage on muscle tension and pressure pain threshold / Efeito imediato da quick massage sobre a tensão muscular e o limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Massage is described as an effective complementary therapy for relieving muscle tension and pain. The aim of this study was to verify the benefits of quick massage on muscle tension and pressure pain tolerance threshold (PPT). METHODS: A randomized clinical study in which 40 professors participated and were randomly divided into control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. They were assessed for the level of muscle tension in the shoulder and neck regions using the visual analogue scale (VAS). PPT was assessed through algometry at the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles and at the following anatomical areas: base of the occipital, scapular spine, thoracic (T6-T7) and lumbar (L4-L5) regions. The EG received a single session of quick massage for 20 minutes on the shoulders, neck and spine. RESULTS: Regarding pain, a significant difference was observed only at the base of the occipital, the EG presented greater tolerance to pressure pain both before and after the intervention when compared to the CG. Regarding muscle tension, after the intervention, there was a reduction in the perception in the EG compared to the CG group. CONCLUSION: Quick massage was efficient to decrease the perception of muscle tension assessed by VAS, however, PPT did not increase after the intervention.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A massagem é descrita como terapia complementar efetiva no alívio de dor e tensão muscular. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os benefícios da Quick Massage sobre a tensão muscular e o limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão (LTDP). MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico randomizado que incluiu 40 docentes divididos aleatoriamente em grupo controle (GC) e grupo experimental (GE). Eles foram avaliados quanto ao nível de tensão muscular na região dos ombros e pescoço por meio da escala analógica visual (EAV). O LTDP foi avaliado por algometria sobre os músculos trapézio superior e esternocleidomastóideo e nos seguintes pontos anatômicos: base do occipital, espinha da escápula, região torácica (T6-T7) e região lombar (L4-L5). O GE recebeu uma única sessão de Quick Massage por 20 minutos na região dos ombros, pescoço e coluna vertebral. RESULTADOS: Em relação à dor, somente na base do occipital foi verificada diferença significante, o GE apresentou maior tolerância de dor à pressão tanto antes quanto após a intervenção em relação ao GC. Em relação à tensão muscular, após a intervenção, houve redução da percepção no GE em relação ao grupo GC. CONCLUSÃO: A Quick Massage foi eficiente para diminuir a percepção da tensão muscular, contudo, o limiar de tolerância de dor à pressão não aumentou após a intervenção.

Efeitos da terapia cognitivo-comportamental em pacientes com fibromialgia: um único estudo cego, randomizado e controlado / Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with fibromyalgia: a single blind, randomized controlled study

INTRODUÇÃO: A fibromialgia (FM) é uma dor musculoesquelética de longa duração, que continua a ser uma entidade clínica problemática a nível mundial e a gestão desta condição é um desafio para os profissionais de saúde. Numerosas opções de tratamento individual estão disponíveis para melhorar os sintomas da fibromialgia, mas ainda falta uma especificidade sob medida para determinados pacientes. Assim, neste estudo testamos tanto os efeitos individuais das técnicas de fisioterapia quanto a combinação de terapia cognitivo-comportamental com técnicas de fisioterapia trariam alguma alteração nos sintomas da fibromialgia. OBJETIVO: Determinar o efeito da combinação de terapia cognitiva comportamental juntamente com técnicas de fisioterapia na gestão dos sintomas de fibromialgia. MÉTODOS: Este estudo experimental recrutou 60 participantes FM com idades entre 18-50 anos de Dehradun, Índia, e foram divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: apenas Fisioterapia integrada e fisioterapia integrada e terapia cognitiva comportamental, durante 12 semanas. Escala analógica visual, questionário impacto fibromialgia revisado, índice de depressão Beck, versão abreviada-36 inquéritos de saúde, algômetro de pressão da dor, distúrbio de ansiedade geral - 7 foram registados na linha de base, quatro semanas, oito semanas e dose semanas. RESULTADOS: Após três meses, melhoras significativas (p <0,05) foram observadas em todas as medidas de resultados acima de fisioterapia integrada e grupo de terapia cognitivo-comportamental. CONCLUSÃO: A terapia cognitiva-comportamental combinada com tratamento fisioterápico teve um efeito de reduzir a depressão e a deficiência, melhorando qualidade de vida na fibromialgia.

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a long-lasting musculoskeletal pain, which remains a problematic clinical entity globally and the management of this condition is a challenge for the health providers. Numerous individual treatment options are available to improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but a specificity tailored to particular patient is still missing. Thus, in this study we tested both the individual effects of physiotherapy techniques and the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy along with physiotherapy techniques would bring any changes on the fibromyalgia symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To determine the combined effect of cognitive behavioral therapy along with physiotherapy techniques in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. METHODS: This experimental study recruited 60 FM participants aged 18-50 years from Dehradun, India and were randomized into one of 2 groups: Integrated Physiotherapy only, integrated physiotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for 12 weeks. Visual analogue scale, revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, beck depression index, shortform-36 health surveys, Pain pressure algometer, General Anxiety Disorder - 7 were recorded at baseline, four weeks, eight weeks and twelve weeks. RESULTS: After three months significant improvement (p<0.05) were noted on all the above outcome measures of integrated physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy group. CONCLUSION: Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with Physiotherapy treatment had an effect to reduce the depression and disability, improvement on the quality of life on fibromyalgia.

Factors associated with intensity and frequency of low back pain in high school students / Fatores associados à intensidade e a frequência de dor lombar em estudantes do ensino médio

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is frequent among schoolchildren and the variables related to high intensity and high back frequency are important predictors for the increase of such complaints in adulthood. OBJECTIVE: To determine the high intensity and high frequency of low back pain and its associated factors in high school students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 760 students (319 boys and 441 girls) who reported low back pain. Demographic, socioeconomic, electronic devices, habitual physical activity practice, mental health, and high frequency and high intensity low back pain data were collected. Descriptive analyzes and bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used. RESULTS: Of the total number of subjects with low back pain, 14.6% reported high frequency of pain, being 36.9% boys and 63.1% girls, while 42.6% reported high intensity, being 35.8% boys and 47.2% girls. The variables associated with the high frequency of low back pain were altered mental health, posture lying on the use of tablet, time of daily use of the cell phone and distance of the screen to the eyes of the computer user, while the female sex, mental health problem, posture lying on the use of cell phone and the distance of the screen to the eyes of the computer user with severe intensity of low back pain. CONCLUSION: The demographic factors and related to the use of electronic devices were associated with high intensity and high frequency of low back pain.

INTRODUÇÃO: As dores lombares são frequentes entre as escolares e as variáveis relacionadas a alta intensidade e alta frequência de lombar são importantes preditores para o aumento de tais queixas na idade adulta. OBJETIVO: Determinar a alta intensidade e alta frequência de lombar e os seus fatores associados em estudantes do ensino médio. MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal incluiu 760 estudantes (319 meninos e 441 meninas) que relataram dor lombar. Foram coletados dados demográficos, socioeconómicos, dispositivos eletrônicos, nível de atividade física, saúde mental e a alta frequência e alta intensidade da dor lombar. Foram utilizadas análises descritivas e regressões logísticas bivariadas e multivariadas. RESULTADOS: Do total de indivíduos com dor lombar, 14,6% relataram alta frequência de dor, sendo 36,9% meninos e 63,1% meninas, enquanto que, 42,6% relataram alta intensidade, sendo 35,8% meninos e 47,2% meninas. As variáveis associadas com a alta frequência de dor lombar foram o problema de saúde mental, uso de tablete na postura deitada, tempo diário no uso do telefone celular e distância da tela do computador aos olhos do usuário, enquanto o sexo feminino, problema de saúde mental, uso do celular na postura deitada e distância da tela do computador aos olhos do usuário com a alta intensidade de dor lombar. CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores demográficos e relacionados ao uso de dispositivos eletrônicos foram associados a alta intensidade e alta frequência de dor lombar.

Effects of acute mental stress on conditioned pain modulation in temporomandibular disorders patients and healthy individuals

Abstract Stress is a contributing factor to painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Nevertheless, the underpinnings of this relationship are not fully understood. Objective To investigate the effects of acute mental stress on conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in TMD patients compared with healthy individuals. Methodology Twenty women with chronic myofascial TMD diagnosed according to the RDC/TMD and 20 age-matched healthy women had the CPM assessed before and after a stressful task using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) in a single session. Subjective stress response was assessed with the aid of visual analog scale (VAS). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) on masseter muscle was the test stimulus (TS) and immersion of the participant's hand on hot water was the conditioning stimulus (CS) - CPM-sequential paradigm. Results Healthy individuals reported PASAT are more stressful when compared with TMD patients and the stress task did not affect the CPM in neither group. Nonetheless, a negative correlation was observed between change in CPM and change in TS from baseline to post-stress session, which indicates that the greater the increase in PPT after the stress task, the greater was the decrease in CPM magnitude. The correlation was strong for healthy controls (r=- 0.72, p<0.001) and moderate for TMD patients (r=- 0.44, p=0.047). Conclusions The correlation between the change in CPM and the TS change following the stress task may possibly indicate an overlapping pathway between stress-induced analgesia/hyperalgesia and descending pain inhibition.

Analysis of clinical phenotype and genotype of Jansen-de Vries syndrome caused by PPM1D gene mutation / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical phenotype of a child with Jansen-de Vries syndrome, to clarify its genetic diagnosis and genetic characteristics, and to improve the understanding of this disease.Methods:Clinical data from a child with Jansen-de Vries syndrome diagnosed in the Children′s Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in October 2019 were collected, using core family-complete exon genomics detection (Trio-WES) and chromosome copy number variation (CNV) analysis techniques for genetic testing for the child and her parents, generation Sanger sequencing for family member verification for possible pathogenic mutations, and clinical and molecular genetic analysis. The relevant reports of PPM1D gene mutation in patients with mental retardation were reviewed.Results:The proband was a 11-month-old girl, presenting with mental retardation, lagging speech and motor development, autistic behavior, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and short stature, low flat nose bridge, low ear, short finger syndrome.Trio-WES results of the core family of the child suggested that PPM1D was a new transcoding heterozygous mutation, PPM1D (NM-003620): c.1216delA (p.Thr406Profs *3), and the karyotype and CNV analysis of the chromosome were normal. Literature retrieval showed currently a total of 18 cases were reported PPM1D gene mutation of mental disorders, described in the online human Mendel database for developmental disorder associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction and pain threshold increases, the age distribution in the seven months to 21 years of age, clinical manifestation of mental retardation, increased pain threshold, abnormal behavior, feeding difficulties, visual impairment, short finger syndrome, a group of syndromes associated with short stature, fever or vomiting, and congenital deformities. Conclusions:Jansen-de Vries syndrome clinically presents mainly with overall retardation (mental retardation/backward delayed motor development, language development, low muscle tone), abnormal behavior (lonely sample behavior, autism), craniofacial malformations (broad forehead, low ear nose bridge, thin upper lip), short finger syndrome (short feet, pinky stubby), gastrointestinal dysfunction (milk overflow, feeding difficulties, constipation). The child was diagnosed as a newly transcoding heterozygous mutation of the PPM1D gene. The current treatment is mainly rehabilitation training, and growth hormone replacement therapy can be given to part of the short height disease. The PPM1D gene [PPM1D(NM-003620): c.1216delA(p.Thr406Profs *3)] is the genetic cause of the child.

Effectiveness of a Conditioning Program on Amateur Female Marathon Runners.

There is a sudden rise in the participation of middle-aged women in marathons across India without proper knowledge about how to prepare for these marathons. This leads to rise in injuries in them like low back pain, knee pain, stress fractures, urinary incontinence etc., some of which can easily be avoided. There is a need to find out a suitable conditioning program for these participants that will target problems affecting this age group and gender specifically. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of conditioning program on post run physical functioning in female amateur marathon runners. Pain Assessment, DOMS, Modified Borg Scale were used for assessing the individuals. METHODSIn this comparative study, 52 amateur female marathon runners, were randomly allocated into two groups with 26 runners in each group. We evaluated pain and exertion using pain assessment and Borg Scale. Occurrence of incontinence was assessed by asking a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was assessed using pain pressure threshold (PPT) 24 hrs. post run. RESULTSThere was a significant effect of the conditioning program on these female runners compared to administration of no conditioning at all. There was a reduction of pain in all the components of the pain scale (p= <0.001). Exertion of the trained runners was also less (p= <0.001) as well as in the occurrence of incontinence (p= <0.0430). PPT was also substantially increased in them (p= <0.001). CONCLUSIONSThe conditioning program administered to amateur female marathon runners was effective in reducing their risk of injuries and problems related to women’s health that occur while running a marathon.

Classification of low back pain into subgroups for diagnostic and therapeutic clarity / Classificação da lombalgia em subgrupos para clareza diagnóstica e terapêutica / Clasificación de la lumbalgia en subgrupos para claridad diagnostica y terapéutica

ABSTRACT Objective To establish a classification in subgroups with symptoms and functionality involving volunteers with nonspecific chronic low back pain for better clarity of functional and therapeutic diagnostic definitions. Methods Observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study with population of 62 university students between 18 and 30 years of age, with a mean age of 21.40 (± 2.40) years, presenting nonspecific lumbar pain for more than three months. Three questionnaires were used for the division into subgroups: STarT Back Screening, the Oswestry Disability Index, and FABQ-Brasil, the VAS evaluation, orthopedic tests: Lasègue's, Slump test, de Sèze test, Valsalva maneuver, and evaluation of the pain threshold of the right and left iliocostal lumbar muscles. Results All the volunteers included in the study had chronic back pain. Most of them (50%) had normal body mass index, 54.8% were sedentary, and of those who were physically active, 14.5% did body building. The Slump test (35.5%) proved to be more reliable than Lasègue's test (21%). In the evaluation, the volunteers reported moderate pain intensity (72.6%) and the mean pressure pain threshold was 6.37 kgf and 6.14 kgf for the right and left iliocostal muscles, respectively. In the questionnaires, 85.5% had a low-risk score, that is, a good prognosis for pain treatment, and 91.9% had minimum disability. The largest treatment hypothesis group was stabilization (29.0%). Conclusion The method of treatment subgroup classification is a guide towards better semiological perspectives and the definition of the clinically preferred physiotherapeutic treatment for each case. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic study.

RESUMO Objetivo Estabelecer uma classificação em subgrupos com sintomatologia e funcionalidade, envolvendo voluntárias com lombalgia crônica inespecífica, para melhor clareza das definições diagnósticas funcionais e terapêuticas. Métodos Estudo observatório, quantitativo, transversal, com população de 62 estudantes universitárias, entre 18 e 30 anos, com média de idade 21,40 (±2,4) anos, apresentando dor lombar inespecífica há mais de três meses. Foram utilizados três questionários para a divisão dos subgrupos: STarT Back Screening, Índice de Incapacidade Oswestry e FABQ-Brasil, avaliação de EVA, testes ortopédicos de Lasègue, Slump Test, Sinais das Pontas, Manobra de Valsalva e avaliação do limiar de dor no músculo íliocostal lombar direito e esquerdo. Resultados Todas as voluntárias incluídas no estudo apresentam lombalgia crônica. A maioria com 50% de índice de massa corporal normal, sendo que 54,8% são sedentárias e, das que praticam atividade física, 14,5% fazem musculação. O Slump Test (35,5%) mostrou-se mais confiável do que o teste de Lasègue (21%). Na avaliação, as voluntárias relataram intensidade de dor moderada (72,6%) e com média do limiar da dor à pressão sobre o músculo íliocostal lombar direito de 6,37 kgf e esquerdo de 6,14 kgf. Nos questionários, 85,5% mostrou-se com pontuação de baixo risco, ou seja, um bom prognóstico para o tratamento da dor e 91,9% com incapacidade mínima. O maior grupo de hipótese de tratamento é a estabilização (29,0%). Conclusão O método de tratamento da classificação de subgrupos norteia para melhores perspectivas semiológicas e de definição do tratamento fisioterapêutico de predileção clínica para cada caso. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Objetivo Establecer una clasificación en subgrupos con sintomatología y funcionalidad, involucrando a voluntarias con lumbalgia crónica inespecífica para mejor claridad de las definiciones diagnósticas funcionales y terapéuticas. Métodos Estudio observatorio, cuantitativo, transversal, con población de 62 estudiantes universitarias, entre 18 y 30 años, con promedio de edad de 21,40 (± 2,40) años, presentando dolor lumbar inespecífico desde hace más de tres meses. Fueron utilizados tres cuestionarios para la subdivisión de los subgrupos: STarT Back Screening, Índice de Incapacidad Oswestry y FABQ-Brasil, evaluación de Eva, pruebas ortopédicas de Lasègue, Slump Test, señales de las puntas, maniobra de Valsalva y evaluación del umbral de dolor en el músculo iliocostal derecho e izquierdo. Resultados Todas las voluntarias incluidas en el estudio presentan lumbalgia crónica. La mayoría con 50% de índice de masa de cuerpo normal, siendo que 54,8% son sedentarias y, de las que practican actividad física, 14,5% hace musculación. El Slump Test (35,5%) se mostró más confiable que el Test de Lasègue (21%). En la evaluación, las voluntarias relataron intensidad de dolor moderada (72,6%) y con el promedio del umbral de dolor a la presión sobre el músculo iliocostal lumbar derecho de 6,37 kgf e izquierdo de 6,14 kgf. En los cuestionarios, 85,5% se mostró con puntuación de bajo riesgo, o sea, un buen pronóstico para el tratamiento de dolor y 91,9% con incapacidad mínima. El mayor grupo de hipótesis de tratamiento es la estabilización (29,0%). Conclusión El método de tratamiento de la clasificación de subgrupos nortea para mejores perspectivas semiológicas y de definición del tratamiento fisioterapéutico de predilección clínica para cada caso. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio diagnóstico.

Application of pain pressure threshold test in lumbar intervertebral disc herniation study / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To quantify pain pressure threshold(PPT) in the patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation before and after treatment, and to study the clinical effects of the PPT test in lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.@*METHODS@#From January to December 2017, 59 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc hernation were treated, and another 59 normal persons were recruited as the normal control group. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure the patient's subjective pain intensity at admission, and the pain threshold of lumbar posterior joints was measured by the tenderness gauge. The pain threshold was measured three times with an interval of 1 min at the most painful posterior joints and the contralateral posterior joints, and the average value was recorded as the T-value.All patients were treated with one course of conservative treatment ( spine fixed-point rotation reduction plus routine dehydration and anti-inflammation). VAS score and pain threshold of posterior lumbar joints were measured after the treatment. One lumbar posterior joint was randomly selected in the normal control group to measure the pain threshold.@*RESULTS@#(1)The patient group and the normal control group were comparable. There was no significant difference in age, body height, body weight and BMI between the two groups(>0.05). (2) The pressure pain threshold test was consistent:variance analysis on the T-value before treatment [(4.72±2.14) kg / cm, (4.96±2.10) kg / cm, (5.11±2.09) kg / cm] of the affected posterior joint, the T-value after treatment [(7.38±2.36) kg / cm, (7.62±2.51) kg / cm, (7.58±2.47) kg / cm], the T-value of before treatment [(7.18±2.80) kg / cm, (7.19±2.68) kg / cm, (7.20±2.69) kg / cm] of the contralateral posterior joint, T value after treatment [(9.54±2.89) kg / cm, (9.76±3.01) kg / cm, (9.77±3.09) kg / cm]; and normal joint T-value [(12.23±1.56) kg / cm, (12.51±1.48) kg / cm, (12.6±1.63) kg / cm] showed that there were no significant differences in the three successive measurements of pain threshold (>0.05). (3) After conservative treatment, the pain threshold of the affected side[(7.58±2.38) kg / cm] and the contralateral lumbar posterior joints [(9.70±2.92) kg / cm] increased significantly, but T-value of the affected side was still lower than that of the contralateral side, and T value of the both sides were lower than that of the normal group [(12.48±1.44) kg / cm]. The T-value of the affected side and the contralateral side had significant difference between before and after treatment (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The pressure pain threshold test can accurately evaluate the pain intensity and its changing patterns in the lumbar posterior joint. The pain pressure threshold test is clinically significantin the lumbar disc herniation.

Application of unrestrained conscious rats with acute inflammatory ankle pain to study of acupuncture analgesia / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To compare the analgesic effect of manual acupuncture(MA) stimulation of "Zusanli" (ST36) in rats with inflammatory pain under unrestrained conscious, restrained and general anesthesia conditions, so as to explore the applicability of unrestrained conscious model in the evaluation of acupuncture analgesia effect. METHODS: Male SD rats were divided into 5 groups: blank control (n=9), pain model (n=7), unrestrained conscious conditions+MA (n=6), restrained conditions+MA (n=6), and general anesthesia (GA)+MA(n=6). The acute pain model was established by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the left ankle joint 48 h ahead of acupuncture. Subsequently, a single 20 min session of MA was applied to the left ST36. The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds (MPT and TPT) were determined before and after injection of CFA, and after MA stimulation. In order to evaluate the autonomic behavior activities, rats were randomly divided into blank control (n=11), pain model (n=11) and conscious-unrestrained conditions +MA (n=12) groups. The rats' exploratory movements were assessed by open field tests. RESULTS: Both MPT and TPT were significantly decreased after injection of CFA in the model group relevant to the blank control group (P0.05). No significant changes were found in the total moving distance after MA and in the central area moving distance after modeling and MA (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: MA has a better therapeutic effect in relieving pain and pain-induced depression-like behavior in conscious unrestrained rats than in restrained and GA rats, implying a higher applicability of unrestrained conscious pain model to the assessment of acupuncture analgesia.

Efectividad de la indometacina vs analgésico habitual en el tratamiento del dolor posthisterectomía / Effectiveness of using indomethacin vs usual analgesic in the management of postoperative pain in hysterectomy

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Determinar la efectividad de la indometacina, por vía rectal, en el tratamiento del dolor posthisterectomía versus paracetamol o metamizol administrados por vía intravenosa. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio experimental, comparativo y prospectivo llevado a cabo en el Hospital Central del Estado de Chihuahua entre noviembre y diciembre de 2019. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes histerectomizadas, con expediente clínico completo y de cualquier edad. Criterios de exclusión: pacientes con alteraciones en el umbral del dolor, inconsistencias en el expediente, histerectomía total no ginecológica. Criterios de eliminación: pacientes con limitantes en la información que no permitieron relacionar la variable dependiente con la independiente. El seguimiento del dolor referido se efectuó con la escala análoga del dolor y valoraciones a las 12 y 24 horas posteriores a la cirugía. RESULTADOS: Se reunieron 141 pacientes, que se dividieron en tres grupos. Grupo 1: metamizol intravenoso e indometacina por vía rectal (n = 24). Grupo 2: paracetamol intravenoso e indometacina por vía rectal (n = 19). Grupo 3: paracetamol y metamizol intravenosos (n = 98). La mayoría de las pacientes de los grupos 1 y 2 reportaron, a las 24 h, una escala visual análoga menor de 3 vs las del grupo 3. Diez de 98 pacientes requirieron tratamiento en el servicio de Anestesiología. CONCLUSIÓN: La administración de indometacina por vía rectal a pacientes histerectomizadas demostró menor dolor que con metamizol y paracetamol, y evolución clínica y alta hospitalaria más temprana.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of indomethacin in the treatment of post-hysterectomy pain versus paracetamol or metamizole administered intravenously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental, comparative and prospective study at the Central Hospital of the State of Chihuahua, period November to December 2019, patients undergoing hysterectomy with complete clinical record, any age. Patients with alterations in the pain threshold, inconsistencies in the file, total non-gynecological hysterectomy were excluded, patients with information limitations were eliminated, which did not allow to relate the dependent variable, with the independent one. RESULTS: 141 patients were collected, which were divided into three groups. Group 1: intravenous metamizole and indomethacin rectally (n = 24). Group 2: intravenous paracetamol and indomethacin rectally (n = 19). Group 3: intravenous paracetamol and metamizole (n = 98). Most of the patients in groups 1 and 2 reported, at 24 hours, a visual analog scale of less than 3 vs those of group 3. Ten of 98 patients required treatment in the Anesthesiology service. CONCLUSION: The administration of indomethacin rectally in postoperative patients of hysterectomy has been shown to reduce pain more effectively than conventional analgesics such as metamizole and paracetamol, relating to clinical evolution and early hospital discharge.

Differences in Pain Threshold Values of Masseter and Temporalis Muscles Before and After Mastication

Abstract Objective: To analyze the differences in the pain thresholds of the masseter and temporalis muscles before and after chewing at the 5th and 10th minutes. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the pain thresholds of the muscles in both sides of 43 non-TMD subjects were measured using a digital algometer before and after chewing the bubble gum Xylitol for 5 and 10 min. The values of the muscles before and after mastication at the 5th and 10th were analyzed using Repeated ANOVA. A difference in the values between the left and right sides of the muscles were analyzed using independent t-test, and among the age groups using one-way ANOVA. Results: Average pain threshold values were 1.76 and 1.93 KgF/cm2 for the masseter and temporalis muscles. ANOVA tests indicated significant differences in the values of the muscles before and after mastication at the 5th and 10th min (p=0.000 vs. p<0.001). The differences in the values between the left and right sides of the muscles (p>0.05) and among the age groups (p>0.05) showed no significant difference. However, the values between temporalis and masseter and the values between men and women for each session revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) Conclusion: The masseter and temporalis pain threshold values were reduced 10 min after chewing. The values in both sides of the masseter and temporalis muscles and in different age groups were the same. The temporal muscle and men showed a higher pain threshold than the masseter muscle and women, respectively.

Analysis on the temperature-time curve in warm needling manipulation with acupuncture needles of different materials / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the characteristics of the temperature-time curve in warm needling manipulation with the acupuncture needles made of copper, silver, gold and stainless steel and explore the applicable temperature range and most suitable needle materials of warm needling manipulation in clinical practice.@*METHODS@#A total of 10 healthy subjects were included. Using the digital thermometer, with different moxibustion dose (1.2 g or 1.5 g, moxa), the temperature was measured at the site where the skin contacts with the needle body during the warm needling manipulation with stainless steel needle, copper needle, gold needle and sliver needle separately. The initial heat pain threshold (the temperature when hot feeling started) and the burning pain threshold (feeling very hot but tolerable) were recorded when using the different needles mentioned above. Through the subject questionnaire, the comfort degree, the heat sensation, the adverse reaction and the acceptability to warm needling manipulation with the different needles were investigated.@*RESULTS@#During the warm needling manipulation, the initial heat pain threshold was (42.8±2.7) ℃ and the burning pain threshold was (46.7±2.9) ℃. The strongest warm stimulation was presented in the warm needling manipulation with 1.5 g moxa and silver needle and the highest temperature was (55.5±6.3) ℃, followed by (52.9±4.2) ℃ with 1.2 g moxa and silver needle, (46.6±3.7) ℃ with 1.5 g moxa and gold needle, (46.6±1.9) ℃ with 1.5 g moxa and copper needle, (43.1±1.5) ℃ with 1.2 g moxa and copper needle and (41.7±0.9) ℃ with 1.5 g moxa and stainless steel needle. The sequence of the maintaining time of the initial heat pain threshold over 43℃ was 480 s with silver needle and 1.5 moxa, 325 s with silver needle and 1.2 g moxa, 270 s with gold needle and 1.5 g moxa, 185 s with copper needle and 1.5 g moxa, 42 s with copper needle and 1.2 g moxa and 0 s with stainless steel needle and 1.5 g moxa successively. The heat score graded by the subjects to the warm needling manipulation with different needles, from high to low, was presented in the manipulation with 1.5 g moxa and silver needle, 1.2 g moxa and silver needle, 1.5 g moxa and copper needle, 1.5 g moxa and gold needle, 1.2 g moxa and copper needle and 1.5 g moxa and stainless steel needle. The VAS score was different significantly in comparison among the six needles in warm needling manipulation (<0.001). The comfort degree of the subjects in the warm needling manipulation with silver needle and 1.5 g moxa was significantly lower than the warm needling manipulation with the other 5 materials (<0.05). Three subjects complained that the warm needling manipulation with silver needle and 1.5 g moxa was too hot to be tolerable and the most of subjects were willing to accept warm needling manipulation with these 6 materials (acceptability 70.0% to 100.0%). Except blisters presented in 9 subjects after warm needling manipulation with silver needle and 1.5 g moxa, no severe adverse reaction occurred in warm needling manipulation with 6 materials.@*CONCLUSION@#In the warm needling manipulation in the human body, the initial heat pain and the burning pain threshold were 43 ℃ and 47 ℃ respectively, which is the applicable temperature range of moxibustion in clinical practice. The warm needling manipulation with silver needle induces a quite strong heat stimulation and the discomfort may be caused when the temperature is exceeded to some threshold. The warm needling manipulation with copper needle generates the onset temperature, without inducing adverse reactions, e.g. discomfort and burning in the subjects.

Correlation between referred pain distribution and acupoint sensitization in patients with intestinal diseases / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the correlation between referred pain distribution and acupoint sensitization in patients with intestinal diseases.@*METHODS@#In clinical research, 443 patients from 8 hospitals were recruited, including the outpatients and inpatients of Crohn's disease (=143), ulcerative colitis (=108), chronic appendicitis (=87) and other intestinal diseases (=105). The site with tenderness on the body surface and the morphological changes of local skin were observed and recorded in the patients. Using a sensory tenderness instrument, the pain threshold at the sensitization point was measured in 60 patients with ulcerative colitis. In animal experiment, SD rats were used and divided into a enteritis group (=8), in which the enteritis model were established, and a control group (=3), in which no any intervention was given. After the injection of Evans blue (EB) at caudal vein, the blue exudation points on the body surface were observed and the distribution rule was analyzed statistically.@*RESULTS@#The referred pain on the body surface in the patients with intestinal diseases was mainly located in the lower abdomen (93.9%, 416/443), the lumbar region (70.9%, 314/443) and the lower legs (33.0%, 146/443). The diameter of tenderness region was 1.5 to 2.5 cm. Compared with the region without sensitization, the pain threshold of the sensitization point in the patients with ulcerative colitis was reduced significantly (<0.001). The referred pain on the body surface in the patients with appendicitis was located in the right lower abdomen (97.7%, 85/87), the waist and back (54.0%, 47/87) and the right lower limbs on the medial side (71.3%, 62/87). The tenderness region was 1 to 2 cm in diameter and was irregular in form. After modeling of enteritis in the rats, the EB exudation points were visible from T to L.@*CONCLUSION@#Intestinal diseases induce referred pain on the body surface where is the same as or adjacent to the location of the spinal segment corresponding to the affected intestinal section. These sensitization regions are related to the locations of acupoints.

Analysis on the distribution of pressure- and heat-sensitive acupoints in patients with allergic rhinitis / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To explore the distribution of pressure- and heat-sensitive acupoints of the Large Intestine of Hand-Yangming, Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming and the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin below the elbow and knee joints in patients with allergic rhinitis, so as to explore the positive reaction points at the body surface of allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Thirty variant rhinitis volunteer subjects and 30 healthy subjects were recruited in the present study. The subcutaneous induration, reaction points of emptiness-like feeling or pressing pain below the elbow- and knee-joints along the Large Intestine Meridian, Stomach Meridian and the Lung Meridian were inspected first, then re-examined by using heat-sensitized moxibustion method and a hand-held pain threshold tester (mechanical pressure), respectively. The frequency and coincidence rate of pressing-pain sensitive and heat-sensitive points were analyzed. RESULTS: In the 30 patients with allergic rhinitis, 10 positive reaction points as Kongzui (LU6), Chize (LU5), Hegu (LI4), Quchi (LI11), Shousanli(LI10), Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), Fenglong (ST40), Xiajuxu (ST39), and non-acupoint of the Lung Meridian were found. Among them, the duration of heat-sensitive reaction in the LU6, LI10, ST37, ST40, and ST39 regions was obviously shorter in patients than in healthy subjects (P0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a high overlap in the distribution of pressure- and heat-sensitive acupoints of the Lung, Large Intestine and Stomach meridians below the elbow and knee joints in patients with allergic rhinitis, and there is an imbalance between the left and right limbs in the mechanical pain threshold of the pressure- and heat-sensitive acupoints, but needing being further confirmed.