Tactile thresholds in healthy subjects

Metka Moharić; Gaj Vidmar

Metka Moharić University Rehabilitation Institute, Ljubljana Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Gaj Vidmar University Rehabilitation Institute, Ljubljana Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Keywords: quantitative sensory testing, sensitivity, evaluation, monofilaments, touch

Abstract

Background: The assessment of sensory thresholds provides a method of examining the function of peripheral nerve fibers and their central connections. Quantitative sensory testing is a variant of conventional sensory testing wherein the goal is the quantification of the level of stimulation needed to produce a particular sensation. While thermal and vibratory testing are established methods in assessment of sensory thresholds, assessment of tactile thresholds with monofilaments is not used routinely. The purpose of this study was to assess the tactile thresholds in normal healthy population.

Methods: In 39 healthy volunteers (19 men) aged 21 to 71 years, tactile thresholds were assessed with von Frey’s hair in 7 parts of the body bilaterally.

Results: We found touch sensitivity not to be dependent on age or gender. The right side was significantly more sensitive in the lateral part of the leg (p=0.011) and the left side in the medial part of the arm (p=0.022). There were also significant differences between sites (p<0.001), whereby distal parts of the body were more sensitive.

Conclusions: Von Frey filaments allow the estimation of tactile thresholds without the need for complicated instrumentation.

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Author Biographies

Metka Moharić, University Rehabilitation Institute, Ljubljana Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Assist Prof Metka Moharić, MD, PhD, University Rehabilitation Institute, Ljubljana
and Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Ljubljana, Slovenia

Gaj Vidmar, University Rehabilitation Institute, Ljubljana Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Assist Prof Gaj Vidmar, PhD, Head of Biostatistics and Scientific Informatics, University Rehabilitation Institute, Ljubljana and Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Ljubljana, Slovenia

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