Accuracy of Vibration Test, Temperature, Ankle Reflex and Pinprick Sensation Examination against Biothesiometer Test for the Identification of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Detection of peripheral neuropathy is important for early intervention to prevent the complication. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of vibration test, temperature, ankle reflex, and pinprick sensation examination compared to the biothesiometer test for the identification of peripheral neuropathy in a community setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 18 years and above who visited retail pharmacies in Malaysia, utilizing a convenience sampling method from March 2021 to May 2022. Peripheral neuropathy was assessed using the biothesiometer test, vibration test, temperature, ankle reflex, and pinprick sensation examination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each screening tool. SPSS version 26 was used to perform the analysis. Results: A total of 1,283 participants were recruited. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 22.7%. Among the screening tools, ankle reflex had the highest sensitivity (34.12%), followed by vibration (31.76%), pinprick sensation (24.41%), and temperature (6.76%). All tests demonstrated high specificity (95.02%-97.78%). Vibration testing had the highest PPV (83.72%). Conclusion: Vibration testing had the highest PPV among the screening tools evaluated, suggesting its potential usefulness for the early detection of peripheral neuropathy in a non-clinical setting. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing these screening tools in community-based settings.