J151025 A preliminary study of a plantar sensory evaluation system for peripheral neuropathy
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop smart equipment to quantify plantar tactile sensibility for early diagnosing and tracking peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes mellitus. Here, we offer new testing equipment composed of a plantar tactile stimulation platform with a moving contactor to stretch the skin tangentially, a response switch for each tactile stimulus, a motor control box, and a personal computer for psychophysical data processing. This testing equipment is detailed measurements available and easy to use for users compared to conventional testing tools such as von Frey monofilaments, pin-prick testing devices, and current perception threshold testers. Using our testing equipment, we show that the plantar tactile threshold for tangential stretching stimulus on the first metatarsal head of the feet is the range from approximately 10 to 50 μm for subjects without diabetic foot problems. Meanwhile, the plantar tactile threshold of some subjects suspected diminished protective sensation by the Semmens-Weinstein monofilament testing is approximately 100 μm or more. These preliminary results suggest that our testing equipment based on the plantar sensation elicited by lateral stretch of skin have potential for quantitative diagnosis in subjects suspected of having neuropathy and for monitoring changing over time to sustain quality of life.
Authors: Shuichi INO, Noriyo TAKAHASHI, Mitsuru SATO, Shinichi YOSHIMURA, Tadasuke ONISHI, Yukio NAKAMURA, Tetsumi HONDA
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2642297299