Cutaneous vibration and thermal-cooling threshold in control subjects

Abstract

The cutaneous vibration and thermal-cooling thresholds were evaluated on the palmar side of the distal phalanx of the right index finger and on the plantar side of the distal phalanx of the right great toe in 70 control subjects without sensory symptoms and signs, aged from 13 to 83 years, by using a Vibration Sensitivity Tester and a Thermal Sensitivity Tester (Sensortek, N. J., USA). Both vibration and thermal-cooling thresholds of the index finger, and vibration threshold of the great toe were statistically significantly increased with age. Based on the data obtained from these subjects, the lower and upper limits of 95% confidence limit of the predicted value of each of the thresholds for each decade were calculated. These values are useful for the detection of the abnormal cutaneous vibration and thermal-cooling thresholds not only in general neurology, but also in occupational neurology.