Von Frey testing revisited: Provision of an online algorithm for improved accuracy of 50% thresholds.
Journal
European journal of pain (London, England)
ISSN: 1532-2149
Titre abrégé: Eur J Pain
Pays: England
ID NLM: 9801774
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
04 2020
04 2020
Historique:
received:
07
10
2019
revised:
12
12
2019
accepted:
23
12
2019
pubmed:
1
1
2020
medline:
21
11
2020
entrez:
1
1
2020
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
In the pain field, it is essential to quantify nociceptive responses. The response to the application of von Frey filaments to the skin measures tactile sensitivity and is a surrogate marker of allodynia in states of peripheral and/or central sensitization. The method is widely used across species within the pain field. However, uncertainties appear to exist regarding the appropriate method for analysing obtained data. Therefore, there is a need for refinement of the calculations for transformation of raw data to quantifiable data. Here, we briefly review the fundamentals behind von Frey testing using the standard up-down method and the associated statistics and show how different parameters of the statistical equation influence the calculated 50% threshold results. We discuss how to obtain the most accurate estimations in a given experimental setting. To enhance accuracy and reproducibility across laboratories, we present an easy to use algorithm that calculates 50% thresholds based on the exact filaments and their interval using math beyond the traditional methods. This tool is available to the everyday user of von Frey filaments and allows the insertion of all imaginable ranges of filaments and is thus applicable to data derived in any species. We advocate for the use of this algorithm to minimize inaccuracies and to improve internal and external reproducibility. The von Frey testing procedure is standard for assessing peripheral and central sensitization but is associated with inaccuracies and lack of transparency in the associated math. Here, we describe these problems and present a novel statistical algorithm that calculates the exact thresholds using math beyond the traditional methods. The online platform is transparent, free of charge and easy to use also for the everyday user of von Frey filaments. Application of this resource will ultimately reduce errors due to methodological misinterpretations and increase reproducibility across laboratories.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
In the pain field, it is essential to quantify nociceptive responses. The response to the application of von Frey filaments to the skin measures tactile sensitivity and is a surrogate marker of allodynia in states of peripheral and/or central sensitization. The method is widely used across species within the pain field. However, uncertainties appear to exist regarding the appropriate method for analysing obtained data. Therefore, there is a need for refinement of the calculations for transformation of raw data to quantifiable data.
METHODS
Here, we briefly review the fundamentals behind von Frey testing using the standard up-down method and the associated statistics and show how different parameters of the statistical equation influence the calculated 50% threshold results. We discuss how to obtain the most accurate estimations in a given experimental setting.
RESULTS
To enhance accuracy and reproducibility across laboratories, we present an easy to use algorithm that calculates 50% thresholds based on the exact filaments and their interval using math beyond the traditional methods. This tool is available to the everyday user of von Frey filaments and allows the insertion of all imaginable ranges of filaments and is thus applicable to data derived in any species.
CONCLUSION
We advocate for the use of this algorithm to minimize inaccuracies and to improve internal and external reproducibility.
SIGNIFICANCE
The von Frey testing procedure is standard for assessing peripheral and central sensitization but is associated with inaccuracies and lack of transparency in the associated math. Here, we describe these problems and present a novel statistical algorithm that calculates the exact thresholds using math beyond the traditional methods. The online platform is transparent, free of charge and easy to use also for the everyday user of von Frey filaments. Application of this resource will ultimately reduce errors due to methodological misinterpretations and increase reproducibility across laboratories.
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
783-790Informations de copyright
© 2019 European Pain Federation - EFIC®.
Références
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