Medoc PATHWAY - Figure 6: Pulses Sequence - with Low Destination; Search Method

Pathway Technical Reference Manual
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1. The starting point for each trial is called the Onset.
The temperature at this point is the Baseline Temperature defined for the entire sequence.
2. From this point on the Baseline Temperature is maintained until the pulse is created. The
temperature at the peak of a pulse is the High Destination Temperature.
3. When the High Destination Temperature is reached, the temperature returns to the
Baseline Temperature.
4. From here on the Baseline Temperature is maintained until the next pulse is created.
At the start of each sequence the temperature should remain at the Baseline Temperature for
the time given by the parameter Time Before Sequence.
See section 7.7.2, page 74, for full description of program details and parameters.
2.8.2.2 With a Low Destination
When this option is used, the first pulse in each trial starts at the Baseline Temperature and
ends at the Low Destination Temperature. All the following pulses start and end at the Low
Destination Temperature. The last pulse in the trial starts at the Low Destination Temperature
and ends at the Baseline Temperature.
Figure 6: Pulses Sequence – With Low Destination
2.8.3 Search Method
The Search method allows you to map the test subject for pain / sensory threshold.
The Search sequence may start with a defined baseline temperature, or with a ramp from the
Baseline Temperature to other destination temperatures. After the temperature has stabilized
on the Baseline Temperature (in the first case), or reaches the Destination Temperature (in
the second case), the test subject starts to control the temperature changes, by using one of
the following input devices:
 Response unit – Pressing No decreases temperature .Pressing Yes increases the
temperature. The temperature increase and decrease rates are parameters of the
sequence. Temperature safety limits are controlled during the test using standard
PATHWAY safety procedures.
 COVAS – The user controls direction and rate of temperature change.