The Orofacial pain assessment device (OPAD) is an operant system of pain assessment that relies on voluntary behavior. Assays using the OPAD offer a unidimensional assessment of pain.
- Clear acrylic cage with a metal base
- Custom dimensions available
- Temperature range from lab room temperature: 25 to 75° C
The Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD) was developed by Neubert et al., (2005) as an operant system of pain assessment that relies on voluntary behavior. Responses involve executive functioning and other experiences, thus relying simply on reflex and innate responses does not provide the complete picture. Therefore, a conflict-based paradigm proves to be a more sensitive method that enables in-depth analysis of pain. The OPAD system is composed of a thermode and metal wires that allow assessment of thermal and mechanical sensitivity. The starved subject is placed in the operant chamber where it can access the food reward only when it contacts the thermal and mechanical stimuli. Essentially, the subject is tasked with choosing to tolerate the stimuli to gain the reward. Unlike traditional assays that are typically based on reflex behaviors, the OPAD allows the subject to choose its own stimuli threshold in order to attain the reward. This reward-conflict paradigm offers better face, content, and predictive validity.
Ordering information: Software package (see accessory option) is designed for use with the Orofacial assay as standalone software.
