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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Measurement of Vibration Detection Threshold and Tactile Spatial Acuity in Human Subjects
Published on: September 1, 2016
Vibratory stimulation increase the electro-cutaneous sensory detection and pain thresholds in women but not in men
Lisbeth Dahlin1, Irene Lund, Thomas Lundeberg
1Department of Public Health Sciences, division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. Lisbeth.Dahlin@ki.se
Background:
Vibratory stimulation is a potential method for the treatment of pain.
Methods:
The effect of vibration on the forearm on detection (DT) and pain thresholds (PT) induced by electro-cutaneous stimulation were investigated in healthy male and female volunteers.
Results:
Women have lower baseline detection and pain thresholds as compared to men. Furthermore, women but not men report increased detection and pain thresholds after vibratory stimulation.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate the potential usefulness of vibratory stimulation for pain treatment, and that gender differences should be considered in future evaluation of the method.
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