Test-retest reliability of pain-related functional brain connectivity compared with pain self-report. Issue 3 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Letzen, Janelle E.; Boissoneault, Jeff; Sevel, Landrew S.; Robinson, Michael E.
• Is Part Of: Pain. Volume 157:Issue 3(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Functional Connectivity -- Test-Retest Reliability -- Thermal Pain; Pain -- Periodicals; Douleur -- Périodiques; Anesthésie -- Périodiques; Pain; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.0472
• DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0304-3959

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Test-retest reliability, or reproducibility of results over time, is poorly established for functional brain connectivity (fcMRI) during painful stimulation. As reliability informs the validity of research findings, it is imperative to examine, especially given recent emphasis on using functional neuroimaging as a tool for biomarker development. Although proposed pain neural signatures have been derived using complex, multivariate algorithms, even the reliability of less complex fcMRI findings has yet to be reported. This study examined the test-retest reliability for fcMRI of pain-related brain regions, and self-reported pain (through visual analogue scales [VASs]). Thirty-two healthy individuals completed 3 consecutive fMRI runs of a thermal pain task. Functional connectivity analyses were completed on pain-related brain regions. Intraclass correlations were conducted on fcMRI values and VAS scores across the fMRI runs. Intraclass correlations coefficients for fcMRI values varied widely (range = −.174-.766), with fcMRI between right nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex showing the highest reliability (range = .649-.766). Intraclass correlations coefficients for VAS scores ranged from .906 to .947. Overall, self-reported pain was more reliable than fcMRI data. These results highlight that fMRI findings might be less reliable than inherently assumed and have implications for future studies proposing pain markers. Abstract : Test-retest reliability for visual analogue scale pain ratings and functional connectivity during experimental pain was examined. Self-report was more reliable than functional connectivity at the individual level.