Impact on Pain Sensitivity of Clinical Interaction

Impact on Pain Sensitivity of Clinical Interaction

Pain can currently be quantified using quantitative sensory tests (QSTs). However, we lack knowledge concerning how relational and contextual factors impact these quantitative tests. We will examine how a standard QST battery is affected by "removing" the social and human interaction from the test session compared to usual QST testing where the participant is guided through the assessment by a research assistant.

Our objectives are:

1. How is the QST affected when guided by a research assistant compared to guided by a computer
2. Does the level of the assessor's empathy affect the QST outcome
3. How do psychological factors affect the QST testing
4. are these outcomes affected by the patient profile (low back pain patients vs healthy controls)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary complaint of low back pain
• No pain for healthy controls
• No serious psychological or somatic disorders potentially interfering with the QST

Exclusion Criteria:

• Incomplete QST data