Vibratory stimulation increase the electro-cutaneous sensory detection and pain thresholds in women but not in men

Abstract

Background: Vibratory stimulation is a potential method for the treatment of pain. Methods: The effect of vibration on the forearm on detection (DT) and pain thresholds (PT) induced by electro-cutaneous stimulation were investigated in healthy male and female volunteers. Results: Women have lower baseline detection and pain thresholds as compared to men. Furthermore, women but not men report increased detection and pain thresholds after vibratory stimulation. Conclusion: Our findings indicate the potential usefulness of vibratory stimulation for pain treatment, and that gender differences should be considered in future evaluation of the method. © 2006 Dahlin at al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.