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Testing reliability of monofilament methodology
Colleagues,
I am working with a colleague in our Occupational Therapy department and we have a question for Biomch-L readers. It refers to the area of assessing tactile cutaneous sensation using handheld instruments known as monofilaments. Essentially, these are short filaments (about 3cm) of various diameters with corresponding stiffnesses. This testing is inherently subjective since the subject/patient reports whether they can sense the pressure of the monofilament or not. In addition, the tester may also be introducing some subjectivity as the monofilament is attached to a small beam held in the tester's hand.
Our interest is to establish objectively the reliability of the application of force using relatively inexpensive means. I know that there are some very clever, innovative minds reading this, so we would love to get your feedback.
References
1. Bell-Krotoski JA, Fess EE, Figarola JH & Hilz, D. 1995. Threshold detection and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Journal of Hand Therapy, 8:155-162.
2. Bell-Krotoski, JA & Buford, WL. 1997. The force/time relationship of clinically used sensory testing instruments. Journal of Hand Surgery, 10:297-309.
I am working with a colleague in our Occupational Therapy department and we have a question for Biomch-L readers. It refers to the area of assessing tactile cutaneous sensation using handheld instruments known as monofilaments. Essentially, these are short filaments (about 3cm) of various diameters with corresponding stiffnesses. This testing is inherently subjective since the subject/patient reports whether they can sense the pressure of the monofilament or not. In addition, the tester may also be introducing some subjectivity as the monofilament is attached to a small beam held in the tester's hand.
Our interest is to establish objectively the reliability of the application of force using relatively inexpensive means. I know that there are some very clever, innovative minds reading this, so we would love to get your feedback.
References
1. Bell-Krotoski JA, Fess EE, Figarola JH & Hilz, D. 1995. Threshold detection and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Journal of Hand Therapy, 8:155-162.
2. Bell-Krotoski, JA & Buford, WL. 1997. The force/time relationship of clinically used sensory testing instruments. Journal of Hand Surgery, 10:297-309.