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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Quantitative Assessment of Cortical Auditory-tactile Processing in Children with Disabilities
Published on: January 29, 2014
Comparing tests of tactile sensibility: aspects relevant to testing children with spastic hemiplegia
Lena Krumlinde-Sundholm1, Ann-Christin Eliasson
1Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Lena.Krumlinde.Sundholm@kbh.ki.se
Insights
This study found that two-point discrimination (2PD), stereognosis of familiar objects, and functional sensibility tests are most useful for assessing tactile deficits in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Other tests like Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were less effective.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) often have hand sensory deficits alongside motor impairments.
- Accurate assessment of tactile sensibility is crucial for effective intervention in pediatric CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the utility of common tactile sensibility tests for children with hemiplegic CP.
- To identify the most sensitive and functional tests for this population.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 25 children with hemiplegia (aged 5-18) and 19 controls using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, two-point discrimination (2PD), stereognosis of familiar objects and forms, and functional sensibility (Pick-up test).
- Assessed dexterity, spasticity, and bimanual task performance.
- Compared results across different sensory tests.
Main Results:
- Significant variation was observed among the sensory tests.
- Two-point discrimination (2PD) with 3 mm spacing, stereognosis of familiar objects, and the Pick-up test demonstrated the most utility.
- Stereognosis of forms and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were less useful for children with central nervous system impairments.
- Tactile sensory deficits were strongly correlated with dexterity issues.
Conclusions:
- 2PD (3 mm), stereognosis of familiar objects, and functional sensibility tests are recommended for assessing tactile deficits in children with hemiplegic CP.
- Stereognosis of forms and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments may be less reliable in this group.
- Sensory deficits significantly impact hand dexterity in pediatric CP.
Abstract:
Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (OP) commonly exhibit tactile sensory deficiencies in their hands in addition to their motor problems. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the usefulness of some common tests of tactile sensibility for use with children with hemiplegic CP. Twenty-five children with hemiplegia aged between 5 and 18 years, and 19 control individuals participated. All children were examined with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, two-point discrimination (2PD), stereognosis of familiar objects, stereognosis of forms, and functional sensibility. Dexterity, spasticity, and bimanual task performance were also assessed. Results from the different sensory tests deviated greatly. We found three tests to be useful: 2PD of 3 mm spacing, which was the most sensitive test, stereognosis of familiar objects, and functional sensibility assessed through the Pick-up test (comparing performance with and without the influence of vision). Stereognosis of forms and threshold values of touch (Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments) are seemingly less useful tests for children with CNS impairments. Deficient sensibility was strongly related to dexterity. Aspects concerning the testing methodology are discussed.
