This review briefly outlines the history of laboratory pain-induction methods and their current role in algesimetry. Requirements for experimental pain studies are discussed, and a brief description of psycho-physical techniques, including classical methods, scaling methods and signal detection theory, provided. A selection of laboratory pain-induction methods is given with more detailed descriptions of the radiant heat and and the electrical stimulation methods. Pain response parameters are defined and described, such as the pain threshold, pain tolerance, pain sensitivity range, drug request point and J.N.D. and their applicability to pain research and clinical pain management discussed. Examples of complex variables, such as sex, age, lateral dominance, suggestion and ethno-cultural factors, which influence the response to pain are briefly presented. Finally, a synopsis is given of studies involving experimental pain induction to evaluate analgesic drugs, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and acupuncture. A total of 119 references is supplied.
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