Sex differences in thermal detection and thermal pain threshold and the thermal grill illusion: a psychophysical study in young volunteers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sex-related differences in human thermal and pain sensitivity are the subject of controversial discussion. The goal of this study in a large number of subjects was to investigate sex differences in thermal and thermal pain perception and the thermal grill illusion (TGI) as a phenomenon reflecting crosstalk between the thermoreceptive and nociceptive systems. The thermal grill illusion is a sensation of strong, but not necessarily painful, heat often preceded by transient cold upon skin contact with spatially interlaced innocuous warm and cool stimuli.

Methods

The TGI was studied in a group of 78 female and 58 male undergraduate students and was evoked by placing the palm of the right hand on the thermal grill (20/40 °C interleaved stimulus). Sex-related thermal pe

SUBMITTER: Averbeck B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5579939 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature