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Sensory thresholds of normal human feet
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Foot & Ankle International
|July 7, 2000
Summary
This study established normal Semmes-Weinstein monofilament sensory thresholds for healthy college-aged feet. Findings highlight significant sensory loss in diabetic neuropathy, with a 5.07 threshold indicating over 98% loss of sensation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Podiatry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Limited data exists on normal foot sensory thresholds using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments.
- Diabetic neuropathy significantly impairs foot sensation, increasing ulceration risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal dorsal and plantar foot sensation thresholds in healthy college-aged adults.
- To provide a baseline for comparison with diabetic neuropathy studies.
Main Methods:
- 40 healthy college-aged volunteers (20 male, 20 female) without foot conditions were tested.
- Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments assessed 14 plantar and 5 dorsal foot locations.
- Subjects identified filament presence and location; testing order (increasing/decreasing stiffness) was noted.
Main Results:
- The mean sensitivity across all sites was 3.63.
- Significant variations in sensitivity were found between foot sites, testing orders, and individuals.
- The heel was the least sensitive area, while lesser toes and arch were most sensitive.
Conclusions:
- The Semmes-Weinstein 5.07 threshold for protective sensation in diabetics represents a >50-fold increase compared to normal values.
- This indicates a substantial loss of sensory ability (approx. 98%) in diabetic neuropathy.
- Consistent testing protocols are crucial for accurate Semmes-Weinstein assessments.
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