Difference in sensibility between the dominant and nondominant index finger as tested using the semmes-weinstein monofilaments pressure aesthesiometer

Abstract

In 130 active subjects aged 7 to 76 years, sensibility of both index fingers were tested using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Subsequently, subjects were asked to indicate their dominant side. The gathered data was analysed statistically to try and find a possible difference in sensibility between the dominant and nondominant side. No difference was found in the majority of our series (76). The index at the nondominant side was found to have superior sensibility in 35 out of 130 subjects, while the reverse was true in the remaining subjects (19). In case there is a difference in sensibility between the two hands, the less sensitive side shows 'normal' distribution of light touch thresholds, whereas at the more sensitive side these thresholds usually scored one nylon rod marker lower.