P245 Frequency dependent current perception threshold in Japanese

Abstract

Objectives To avoid painful shocks and burn hazards, the reference level has been internationally established for the contact currents up to 110 MHz frequency. The degree of contact current is dependent on the frequency of stimulation current. The purpose of this study was to make normal values of threshold for the electric currents (current perception threshold, CPT) with several stimulating current frequencies in Japanese people. Methods CPT was measured in 53 Japanese healthy volunteers aged 20–69 years. The stimulation currents were given to the right index finger with stimulus frequencies of 50 Hz, 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz and 300 kHz. We used both the method of limits and the method of constant stimuli in combination. Results The CPT was higher in elder person than the young, and in men than in women. The psychometric function curve showed a sigmoid relation between the CPT and the electric current frequency, which shifted downward as compared with that of a previous study. Discussion The gender difference as well as the age dependency of CPT wasconsistent with the previous reports. However, mean value of CPT was lower than that of a previous study. The racial difference and measurement method difference may explain these differences. Conclusions Normal values of CPT for the Japanese person was established in this study.