Wagner Pain Test Algometer

What is the algometer used for?

The Wagner FPX Algometer is used to reliability measure pain in muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. The FPX50 measures both pain threshold and tolerance:

Pain Threshold -- the minimum pressure that induces pain in tender and trigger points of tissue. The FPX quantitatively assesses the tenderness of hypersensitive areas and determines the minimum pressure that triggers pain at the point of interest.
Pain Tolerance -- the point where a painful pressure stimulus can no longer be tolerated. The FPX assesses pain-pressure sensitivity for maximum tolerated pressure.

How to use the algometer

Attach the rubber tip implement to the FPX device (finger-tight only).
Set the device to read “COMP PEAK” (Compression peak) and ibf (pound force). If the device is not set to “PEAK” then the maximum reading will not be displayed.
Hold the device perpendicular to the skin, and apply force in a slow and steady manner. Have the participant say “now” when pressure first becomes painful. Typically, this is done 3 times with 20-30 seconds in-between, with the average of all 3 recordings used.
Warning: if you get a message saying “HELP”, this means you have overloaded the algometer. Continuing to apply pressure will cause permanent damage to the algometer. Stop data collection and contact the Tech team.

MesurLite Software

MesurLite is the software that comes with with algometer. You can plug the algometer into your computer and use the software to store your readings, which can then be exported directly into Excel.

How to book the algometer

If you wish to use the algometer, you can book it out using Siso. The algometer is stored in room SN.G19.

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