Vibrotactile Perception in Finger Pulps and in the Sole of the Foot in Healthy Subjects among Children or Adolescents

Abstract

AimsTo evaluate vibrotactile perception at different frequencies in fingers and in foot in healthy girls and boys.MethodsVibration perception thresholds (VPTs) were measured in 283 healthy (8–20 years), consecutively included, girls (n=146) and boys (n=137); i.e., 269 children after excluding those with diseases or disorders possibly affecting the nervous system. Thresholds were measured in finger pulps of index and little fingers (seven frequencies; 8–500 Hz) and at first and fifth metatarsal head and at heel in the sole of the foot (six frequencies; 8–250 Hz;) using Multi Frequency Tactilometry.ResultsVPTs, divided in six groups by age and gender (i.e., 8–10 years, 11–15 years and 16–20 years), at all three sites in the sole increased with higher frequencies, but without gender differences. Thresholds at 64 and 125 Hz were generally higher at heel compared to metatarsal heads. VPTs in finger pulps of index and little fingers, with no finger differences, had a different pattern with increasing thresholds with frequency, but with lower thresholds at 64 and 125 Hz. Thresholds at lower frequencies were higher in finger pulps, while at higher frequencies VPTs were lower in finger pulps than in the sole of the foot; thus, vibration perception in the sole was better than perception in finger pulps at lower frequencies and opposite at higher frequencies. VPTs were higher among adolescents than in younger children in the foot, while thresholds were lower in the finger pulps among adolescents, particularly in index finger. Thresholds in finger pulps of index and little fingers, particularly at higher frequencies, correlated with each other, which the three sites in the sole also did.ConclusionsVPTs in fingers and in feet are different as related to frequency in healthy girls and boys. Multi Frequency Tactilometry is a future valuable method to detect neuropathy in children and adolescents.

Vibration thresholds in carpal tunnel syndrome assessed by multiple frequency vibrometry: a case-control study

“…Vibration perception thresholds were measured at multiple frequencies using a VibroSense Meter® (Vibrosense Dynamics, Malmö, Sweden) in accordance with previously described technique [ 19 ]. Before the examination, the operator explained the examination procedure to the subject.…”

Vibrotactile perception in the sole of the foot in people with normal glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes

“…The sites were selected to mirror the function of the median plantar branch of the tibial (first metatarsal head) and the lateral plantar branch of the tibial (fifth metatarsal head). Measurements were performed with a modified VibroSense Meter adopted for measurement on the feet [36]. The thresholds were measured at four frequencies (8, 16, 32 and 125 Hz) at each site.…”

“…The thresholds were measured at four frequencies (8, 16, 32 and 125 Hz) at each site. The foot VibroSense Meter comprised of a modified hand device with an extended vibrating probe and a special footplate with a hole, which was placed over the modified device as described (for details, see Ising et al [31] and Dahlin et al [36]). The measuring procedure for the foot was identical with the previously reported examination of the fingers; i.e.…”

“…The measuring procedure for the foot was identical with the previously reported examination of the fingers; i.e. according to ISO13091-1 [36]. The examination sequence on the sole of the foot was: 1) first metatarsal head, and 2) fifth metatarsal head.…”

Interação dos fatores musculoesqueléticos com o equilíbrio de crianças e adolescentes com neuropatia sensorial e motora hereditária

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