Objectives: To assess the reliability and validity of a new pain-registration procedure. Method: Electrical current is used as an experimental-pain induction method. Subjects continuously indicate the intensity of their pain experience on a mechanical VAS, which is monitored over time on a computer. The AUC (Area Under the Curve) is calculated as a measure of pain. Prior to the actual experiment, it is determined at which point subject experiences ‘very slight' pain. Next, the level of electrical current to achieve ‘moderate' pain is determined. During the following experimental phase, subjects are exposed to four short periods in which very slight and moderate pain are alternated. To conclude the experiment, all subjects receive a shock of similar objective intensity. Results: AUC's within subjects are compared to assess reliability. AUC's across subjects are compared to assess validity. Differences in pain sensitivity (defined by the amount of electrical current necessary to achieve very slight and moderate pain) are used to predict the AUC for the objective shock that all subjects received. Conclusion: Preliminary results show that subjects are able to consistently indicate their pain during painful stimulation. Support for the validity of the procedure used in this study (AUC of a mechanical VAS) was found. When additional support regarding the reliability and validity of this pain-registration procedure is found, this may have major implications for pain research in general.

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