Analytical Chem JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Multi-Modal Signals for Analyzing Pain Responses to Thermal and Electrical Stimuli

Name: Multi-Modal Signals for Analyzing Pain Responses to Thermal and Electrical Stimuli
Uploaded: 2026-06-17
Duration: 9 min 16 s
Description: The assessment of pain relies mostly on methods that require a person to communicate. However, for people with cognitive and verbal impairments, existing ...

DOI: 10.3791/59057-v

What you'll learn

✓ Record multimodal physiological and behavioral responses to painful stimuli
✓ Distinguish pain intensity, quality, and duration using thermal and electrical stimulation
✓ Analyze integrated data from physiological sensors, video, and vocal responses
✓ Apply standardized pain elicitation protocols in controlled experimental settings

Protocol

This article focuses on the experimental elicitation of pain through heat (thermal) and electrical stimulation while recording physiological, visual, and paralinguistic responses. It aims at collecting valid multimodal data for analyzing pain based on its intensity, quality, and duration.

Difficulty

intermediate

Total time

~1–2 hours per subject (including preparation, stimulation trials, and data collection)

Steps

Prepare pain stimulation experiment equipment

Set up thermal and electrical stimulation devices, physiological monitoring sensors, and video recording systems. Calibrate stimulation equipment and verify data acquisition software functionality.

▶ 00:57

Deliver thermal and electrical pain stimuli

Administer graded heat and electrical stimulation while simultaneously recording physiological responses, video, and vocalizations. Document stimulus intensity, duration, and subject responses.

▶ 02:34

Analyze multimodal pain response data

Review recorded physiological, visual, and paralinguistic data from successful trials. Characterize pain responses by intensity, quality, and temporal dynamics.

▶ 07:40

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