Effect of changes in finger skin temperature on vibrotactile perception threshold

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of finger skin temperature on the vibrotactile perception threshold at fingertips, determined according to the method described in ISO 13091-1 standard.

Materials and methods: The effect of the cooling and warming of hands on vibration perception was investigated in 21 healthy women. Vibration perception measurements were conducted using P8 pallesthesiometer (EMSON-MAT, Poland) designed according to ISO 13091-1 standard requirements. Vibrotactile perception threshold was measured in two series of experiments performed on the index finger of the right hand at frequencies of 4 Hz, 25 Hz and 125 Hz and skin temperature of 33 degrees C, 28 degrees C, 23 degrees C, 18 degrees C and 15 degrees C.

Results: The findings of the study showed that as the finger skin temperature decreased, the vibrotactile perception threshold increased, but only at the frequency of 125 Hz. The changes in finger skin temperature did not affect the vibration perception at 4 Hz and 25 Hz. No significant differences in VPT were found between the two experimental series.

Conclusions: A short-time cooling and warming of hands had a significant impact on increasing or decreasing vibrotactile perception threshold, only at the highest frequency mediated by Pacinian mechanoreceptors.