Pressure pain threshold in people with amputation submitted to the use of postural lifting equipment: crossover experimental study

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pressure pain threshold was measured in people with unilateral lower limb amputation.

• The use of the postural elevation equipment did not cause a change in the pressure pain threshold between the groups, control and people with amputation.

• The types of equipment did not show differences in pressure pain threshold in any of the groups.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Amputation is an event that has consequences that can affect daily life, including pain, enhancing changes, whether in sleep or in quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pressure pain threshold (PPT) in people with amputations submitted to the use of different postural elevation equipment.

METHODS:

Experimental crossover study, carried out from September to October 2022, with people with lower limb amputation (n=15) and people without amputation (n=15). PPT in four regions (T12-L1, L5-S1, anterior tuberosity of the tibia and calcaneus) were evaluated before and after the use of different versions (A and B) of an equipment for postural elevation, gravity and pain interference. Presence of signs and symptoms of central sensitization (CS) and sleep quality.

RESULTS:

The groups did not present PPT alterations when compared between the different versions of the equipment (p<0.05) in the four locations analyzed. Furthermore, the groups did not show differences in relation to the evaluation days or among themselves regarding the severity and interference of pain and the presence of signs and symptoms of CS. The control group indicated poor sleep quality (p=0.0173) and remained worse than people with amputation.

CONCLUSION:

The versions of the equipment did not change PPT in the analyzed areas. The groups did not differ between themselves, suggesting that the equipment promoted similar responses, that is, no change in sensitivity was evidenced in the analyzed regions which have greater contact with stabilization elements and weight discharge of the equipment.

Keywords:
Amputees; Disabled people; Pain; Wheelchair