Pressure Pain Threshold
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) was determined using a digital algometer
(Lafayette Manual Muscle Test Systemâ„¢, Model 01163, Lafayette Instrument
Company, Indiana, USA) which consists of a padded disc attached to a
microprocessor control unit that measures peak force (Newton). The PPT
of the masseter, trapezius (anterior, posterior, occipital) and
temporalis muscles was assessed via the algometer. During PPT
assessment, the researcher positioned the algometer on the trigger
points of the respective muscles and increase the amount of pressure
applied until the participant verbally informed the researcher when the
sensation of pressure became pain. The applied pressure was read from
the digital screen after each assessment. A lower score indicates a
lower pain threshold whereas, a higher score indicates a higher pain
threshold.