The point would be to see what factors are present when subspace occurs. So, measure various factors (blood serum factors, EEG responses, visual symptoms and so on) and the follow with a questionairre to ask the sub if they experienced what they call subspace. Though questions would have to be carefully worded to be objective and not lead the subject. i.e. asking 'did you experience subspace?' is a subjective question that leads the subject into saying a particular response.

The pain resistance does seem to be a common aspect... apparently at one point my nipples were hanging really low with a lot of weight on them and I didn't notice. Well, I felt something but not 'pain' and not really pleasure. It was odd...