Comparison of Sensory Threshold in Healthy Adult Feet Using Semmes Weinstein Monofilament: A Cross Sectional Study Smitha D1,*, Arshad Muhammed2 1Associate Professor, Yenepoya Physiotherapy College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, Karnataka 2Post Graduate, Yenepoya Physiotherapy College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, Karnataka *Address for Correspondence Smitha D, Associate Professor, Yenepoya Physiotherapy College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru-575018, E-mail- smithad@yenepoya.edu.in, Fax no: 0824-2203689
Online published on 21 November, 2019. Abstract Background Sensory threshold is defined as the point at which increasing stimuli triggers the start of an afferent nerve impulse. Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament testing is a useful tool in predicting the diabetic patients at risk for ulceration of the feet. So the purpose of this present study is to document the sensory threshold of healthy adult feet covering all the points of dorsum and plantar aspect using 20 piece monofilament kit. Method A cross sectional study was conducted among the healthy adults in the age group 18–24 years using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments. The participants were blindfolded in long sitting position, 19 points were marked on the plantar and dorsal aspect of the foot. Each filament of Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament was applied on the marked point's perpendicular to the skin till the pressure could bend it in a ‘c’ shape for 1–2 seconds. Order of application of the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament was from 1.65 to 6.65 (stiffness of Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament), then it was done in reverse order. Results The results of this study revealed that Semmes Weinstein Monofilament sensory threshold ability in the lower extremity varies with the area of skin tested. In the upward direction, R5 and R3rd toe showed more sensitivity for females and males respectively. R5 and L5 showed highest sensitivity for females and males respectively while testing in the reverse order. Comparison between males and females showed significant difference at all points except left medial heel. Conclusion The study concluded that there is a significant difference in sensory threshold between males and females and their left and right feet but no significant difference was found in changing the direction of monofilament order. Sensory threshold is defined as the point at which is to localize neurologic pathology by looking for monofilament order. Top Keywords Semmes Weinstein Monofilament, sensory threshold, sensitivity, stiffness order. Top |