Inter- and intra-tester reliability of sensibility testing in healthy individuals

Abstract

Static two-point discrimination (S2PD) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) tests are the most widely used tests for evaluation of sensory deterioration. It is a necessity to know the inter- and intra-tester reliability of these tests to determine the suitability of method. Another important point in evaluation of sensory deterioration is whether or not there is a reference point which can be compared with the test results. So, it is important to know the reliability of sensory evaluation tests on the healthy extremities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-tester reliability of the S2PD and SWM tests applied to the fingers of healthy individuals. One hundred and sixty three healthy fingers from 83 individuals were included into the study. An experienced orthopaedic surgeon and a physiotherapist examined all the individuals separately. The reliability of the S2PD test was found to be little and low. The reliability of the SWM test was determined as low and moderate. The reproducibility scores of both tests were at a poor level. Therefore, in the evaluation of states with sensory deterioration, the use of the healthy contralateral extremities as a standard reference point could be considered unreliable. Prognosis, grading or follow-up of treatment should not be made according to the results of the S2PD and SWM tests only. It would be more correct to use these tests as a diagnostic tool rather than quantitative follow-up for neurological function in pathological conditions.

Keywords:

• Healthy subjects
• two-point discrimination test
• monofilament test
• reliability
• finger

Acknowledgements

The authors thank physiotherapist Burcin Arvas Arabaci (Izmir Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology) for assistance in the examination of the participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.