Over 50 specialists from practice and science gathered at the Regensburg Center of Health Sciences and Technology on 5 May to learn about and discuss current, practical developments in physiotherapy.
Under the direction of Prof Dr Andrea Pfingsten, this year's network meeting was dedicated to the question of how the differentiation of different types of pain can be ensured beyond the complex quantitative sensory testing (QST) with the help of simple bedside tests. While QST is highly valued in research contexts, it often proves to be too time-consuming and cost-intensive in everyday clinical practice. The research laboratory team therefore presented the so-called clinical sensory tests as well as supplementary tests that were specifically designed for routine use.
After a compact introduction to pain physiology - with a focus on nociceptive warning signals, neuropathic lesion pain and centrally mediated nociplastic sensitisation - Elke Schulze, M.Sc. and Johannis Mertens, M.Sc. presented suitable tests for practical use. Quality criteria, standardised values and a direct comparison with classic QST procedures were worked out in order to illustrate the clinical benefits and resource efficiency.
In subsequent small group exercises, the participants applied the new test procedures, evaluated measurement results using referential threshold values and discussed diagnostic conclusions. The practice-orientated exchange filled the final session, in which the suitability of the bedside tests for everyday use was assessed and perspectives for the next ‘mit-Physio’ meeting were developed.
