Do Intensity Ratings and Skin Conductance Responses Reliably Discriminate Between Different Stimulus Intensities in Experimentally Induced Pain

摘要: Abstract The present study addresses the question whether pain-intensity ratings and skin conductance responses (SCRs) are able to detect different intensities of phasic painful stimuli determine reliability this discrimination. For purpose, 42 healthy participants both genders were assigned either electrical, mechanical, or laser heat-pain stimulation (each n = 14). A whole range single brief delivered on right volar forearm dominant hand in a randomized order. Pain-intensity SCRs analyzed. Using generalizability theory, individual gender differences main contributors variability intensity SCRs. Most importantly, we showed that reliable measure for discrimination pain stimulus applied modalities. SCR was adequate when mechanical heat tested but failed electrical stimuli. Further studies needed reveal reason lack accuracy applying Perspective Our could help researchers better understand relationship between activation sympathetic nervous system. Pain furthermore encouraged consider measuring concomitant experimental settings.