Aims: A new pressure algometer was used to quantify the pressure-pain thres
hold (PPT) in the human tongue. Methods: A custom-made device controlled by
software and a personal computer was used to measure the PPT in the anteri
or part of the tongues of 14 young, healthy subjects. The PPT was measured
at 3 different rates of pressure application on 3 occasions, 1 week apart.
Data were evaluated with analysis of covariance and intraclass correlations
. Results: The prototype device had linens output characteristics within th
e operational range. The mean PPT ranged from 18 to 44 g. The PPT appeared
to increase approximately linearly with increasing rate of pressure applica
tion (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the PPT on diffe
rent experimental occasions. In individual subjects, the PPT was reliable a
nd uniform. There were significant inter-subject differences in the PPT (P
< 0.001). Conclusion: The PPT can be measured consistently in the anterior
part Of the tongue, provided the pressure rate is controlled. The new press
ure algometer appears to have potential clinical utility for quantifying se
nsation in the human tongue.