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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
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Measurement of Vibration Detection Threshold and Tactile Spatial Acuity in Human Subjects
Published on: September 1, 2016
Tactile threshold detection in leprosy patients with an electronic algometer
Fernanda Guzzo Gomes1, Wilson Marques, Norma Tiraboschi Foss
1Interunit of Bioengineering (School of Engineering of São Carlos-Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos-Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto), University of São Paulo (USP), SãoCarlos, SP, Brazil.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|May 12, 2009
Summary
An electronic aesthesiometer offers a reliable and easy method for evaluating tactile sensitivity in leprosy patients, showing high agreement with traditional Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Leprosy can cause significant tactile sensory loss, impacting patient quality of life.
- Accurate assessment of tactile sensitivity is crucial for leprosy management and preventing further complications.
- Current diagnostic tools like Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments have limitations in sensitivity and standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate an electronic aesthesiometer for assessing tactile sensitivity in leprosy.
- To compare the performance of the electronic aesthesiometer against Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments.
Main Methods:
- Thirty leprosy patients were evaluated using both an electronic aesthesiometer and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments on specific hand and foot test points.
- Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) assessed the electronic device's repeatability.
- Kappa coefficient determined the agreement between the two methods for classifying tactile sensitivity.
Main Results:
- The electronic aesthesiometer demonstrated excellent repeatability with an ICC close to 1.
- High agreement rates were observed between the electronic device and monofilaments: >75% for hands and >63% for feet.
- The electronic aesthesiometer detected altered tactile sensitivity in cases where monofilaments did not, particularly on the feet.
Conclusions:
- The electronic aesthesiometer is a reliable and user-friendly tool for evaluating tactile sensory alterations in leprosy patients.
- This electronic method shows promise as an effective alternative or adjunct to traditional sensory testing.
- Further research can explore its integration into routine leprosy care for improved diagnostic accuracy.
