Test-retest reliability of Wagner Pressure algometer in measuring pain Pressure threshold in patients with chronic neck pain: repeated-measures reliability study
J Man Manip Ther. 2026 Mar 27:1-9. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2026.2646241. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain is a prevalent condition affecting a substantial portion of the population globally. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) evaluation using algometers offers a quantifiable and potentially reliable tool for pain assessment. However, its test-retest reliability, particularly using the Wagner algometer, requires further validation in this population.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the test-retest reliability of the Wagner algometer for measuring PPT in patients with chronic neck pain.
METHODS: A total of 100 patients with chronic neck pain underwent PPT assessment using the Wagner algometer at two time points across four muscle sites: right and left upper trapezius, and right and left levator scapulae. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated.
RESULTS: ICC values indicated good to excellent reliability: right trapezius (0.98), left trapezius (1.00), right levator scapulae (0.88), and left levator scapulae (0.99). SEM ranged from 0 to 0.26, and MDC from 0 to 0.73. Bland-Altman plots confirmed high agreement without proportional bias.
CONCLUSION: The Wagner algometer demonstrates excellent test-retest reliability for measuring PPT in chronic neck pain patients and may serve as a consistent tool for clinical pain assessment and outcome tracking when tested under required conditions.
PMID:41891496 | DOI:10.1080/10669817.2026.2646241