The submaximal effort tourniquet test: its use in evaluating experimental and chronic pain.

The submaximal effort tourniquet test has been widely used to evaluate experimental and chronic pain; however, there has been great variation in the manner in which the test has been applied. The present study systemitically evaluates how different levels of exercise duration and effort affect subjects' report of pain. The data indicate the following: (1) the manner in which the exercise is performed has an important effect on subjects' rating of pain, and (2) under all conditions studied, the pain ratings do not increase as a linear function of time. Both findings warrant precautions when using the submaximal effort tourniquet test to study experimental and chronic pain.