Peak alpha frequency as a candidate biomarker of pain sensitivity: the importance of distinguishing slow from slowing

The study by Valentini et al. (2022) observed that the peak alpha frequency (PAF) of participants became slower after they were exposed to painful, as well as non-painful but unpleasant stimuli. The authors interpreted this as a challenge to our previous studies which propose that the speed of resting PAF, independently of pain-induced changes to PAF, can be a reliable biomarker marker for gaging individual pain sensitivity. While investigations into the role that PAF plays in pain perception are timely, we have some concerns about the assumptions and methodology employed by Valentini et al. Moreover, we believe the authors here have also misrepresented some of our previous work. In the current commentary, we detail the critical differences between our respective studies, with the ultimate aim of guiding future investigations.

Automated summary

Valentini et al. found that participants' peak alpha frequency (PAF) became slower after exposure to painful and unpleasant stimuli. This challenges previous research suggesting that resting PAF can serve as a reliable biomarker for measuring pain sensitivity. However, there are concerns about Valentini et al.'s assumptions and methodology, as well as their misrepresentation of previous work.