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Quantitative thermal perception testing in 225 children and juveniles
M J Hilz1, B Stemper, G Schweibold
1Department of Neurology, New York University Medical Center, New York, USA.
Summary
Quantitative thermotesting establishes normative data for children and juveniles using the method of limits. This study provides essential perception threshold data for assessing small nerve fiber function in young individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Quantitative thermotesting is crucial for evaluating peripheral small nerve fiber function.
- The method of limits is a standard algorithm for determining sensory perception thresholds.
- Normative data for this method are lacking in pediatric and adolescent populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for warm and cold perception thresholds in healthy children and juveniles.
- To assess the reliability and influencing factors of quantitative thermotesting in a young population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the method of limits to determine warm and cold perception thresholds in 225 healthy participants aged 7 to 17.9 years.
- Tested thresholds across five distinct body sites: forearm, thenar eminence, calf, foot, and cheek.
- Investigated the impact of thermode size and pretest skin temperature on threshold measurements.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated good intratrial reproducibility of perception thresholds.
- Identified that a larger thermode size resulted in lower perception thresholds compared to a smaller probe.
- Found that pretest skin temperature had a minimal influence on the obtained thresholds.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully generated normative perception threshold data for pediatric and adolescent populations.
- Recommends using larger thermodes for quantitative thermotesting, particularly on body sites where they can be applied flatly.
- Highlights the utility of the method of limits for reliable small nerve fiber function assessment in young individuals.