Effect of applied pressure in the determination of vibration sensitivity using the Neurothesiometer

J. P. Cassella, R. L. Ashford, V. Kavanagh-Sharp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Vibration perception threshold (VPT) measurements are becoming widely accepted as a determinant for neurological dysfunction in a clinical setting. In this study, VPT measurements were taken from 10 normal subjects using a Neurothesiometer. Three sites on the body - the left 1st metacarpo-phalangeal joint; left rectus femoris muscle; and left proximal phalanx of the hallux - were studied as these are most commonly used for clinical examination. Varying masses (0-100 g) were applied to the head of the neurothesiometer and the VPT was determined for each mass applied. A trend existed between the mass applied and the VPT; the greater the mass, the lower the VPT. This study indicates the importance of the correct use of the hand-held Neurothesiometer in a busy clinical environment. Only when the vibrating head is placed perpendicular to the site for VPT determination, and no extraneous mass (or pressure) is applied to the vibrating head, can truly reproducible VPTs be determined for potential conditions such as diabetic neuropathy or leprosy. An inexpensive in-house device, which was designed and implemented in this study, is described which allows the adaptation of the Neurothesiometer for improved accuracy. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)27-30
Number of pages4
JournalFoot
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2000
Externally publishedYes

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