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Objective. To assess pain sensitivity and spreading hyperalgesia in lateral epicondylalgia (LE). Subjects. Twenty-two women with LE, and 38 con-trols were included. Outcome Measures. Computerized cuff pressure algometry was used for assessment of pressure-pain threshold and tolerance. The stimulus was applied using a single (stimulation-area: 241 cm²) or double-chambered (stimulation-area: 482 cm²) tourniquet on the arm and leg. Spatial summation was expressed as the ratio between pressure-pain thresholds to single and double cuff-chamber stimulation. During 10-minute constant pressure stimulation at intensity relative to the individual pain threshold, the pain intensity was continuously recorded using an elec-tronic visual analogue scale (VAS), and from this the degree of temporal summation was estimated. For LE, a Doppler ultrasound examination of the elbow was made to identify inflammation. Results. In LE compared with controls the pressure-pain threshold and tolerance were on average reduced by respectively 31% (nonsignifi-cant) and 18% (nonsignificant) on the lower arm and by 32% (P < 0.05) and 22% (P < 0.05) on the lower leg (spreading sensitization). Within the LE group, pressure-pain thresholds were on average reduced by 20% (P < 0.05) and pain tolerance by 10% (nonsignificant) on the painful compared with the asymptomatic side. Spatial summation (P<0.01) and temporal summation (P < 0.05) was facilitated in LE compared with controls. In LE patients without signs of peripheral inflammation assessed by Doppler ultrasound, temporal summation was sig-nificantly stronger than in patients with ongoing inflammation (P< 0.01). Conclusion. Patients with LE may be subgrouped based on pain hypersensitivity and Doppler ultra-sound into clinically meaningful subgroups with varying duration of symptoms and different degrees of central sensitization. These groups may require different pain management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]