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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Design, Fabrication, and Administration of the Hand Active Sensation Test (HASTe)
Published on: September 8, 2015
Is there a relationship between light touch-pressure sensation and functional hand ability?
Hanna Melchior1, Jean-Jacques Vatine, Patrice L Weiss
1Israel Hansen's Disease Center, Jerusalem.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|April 25, 2007
Summary
The Semmes Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test shows a link between light touch sensation and hand function. However, it is not enough on its own and needs other tests for a full assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Occupational Therapy
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Sensory deficits, particularly in light touch-pressure sensation, can significantly impair hand function.
- Leprosy (Hansen's disease) often causes isolated sensory loss, making it a relevant model for studying sensation-function relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare light touch-pressure sensation using the Semmes Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test with functional hand ability.
- To investigate the correlation between sensory thresholds and performance on standardized hand function tests.
Main Methods:
- Participants included individuals with leprosy-induced sensory deficits and healthy controls.
- Evaluated palmar light touch thresholds using the Semmes Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test.
- Assessed functional hand ability with the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) and Functional Dexterity Test (FDT), ensuring no motor impairment via manual muscle testing (MMT).
Main Results:
- Individuals with sensory deficits exhibited significantly higher sensory thresholds compared to controls.
- A significant correlation was observed between SWM test results and scores on the FDT and JTHFT.
- The correlation was strongest for tasks involving the manipulation of small objects.
Conclusions:
- A relationship exists between sensory light touch thresholds measured by SWMs and overall hand function.
- The SWM test is valuable but insufficient alone; it should be complemented by other hand function assessments for comprehensive evaluation.
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