Differences in tactile sensation and body composition between the front and back of the total body in healthy volunteers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the body composition and tactile sensation between the front and back of the total body. To confirm body composition and tactile sensation, a 4 pole-8 pole contacted electronic method and two-point discrimination (TPD) tool such as esthesiometer and 2-Point Discrim-A-Gon were used in 30 healthy male subjects. In analysis of body composition, the impedence of front/back of trunk was significantly lower than those of both front/back of upper and lower limb. Meanwhile, in analysis of tactile sensation, sensory of hands was the most sensitive than the other body parts. The palm side of metacarpals TPD was significantly lower than those of dorsal side of metacarpals. Furthermore, the front side of trunk, hands, thigh/shin, and feet TPD were significantly lower than those of back side of body parts. The front side of thigh and shin TPD were significantly lower than those of back side of both thigh and shin. Therefore, these results, in part, suggest that there was a difference in body composition and tactile sensation according to each segment of the total body.