A study to ascertain normative value for Two-Point discrimination ability for the lower limb among healthy Indian Middle-Aged population: A pilot study

Two-point discrimination addresses the sensitivity of overlying receptive fields on the body surfaces and is often used as a reliable method to examine somatic sensibility. According to age and which part of the body is measured the distance used in the TPD varies. Alteration in TPD in lower limb is seen in many conditions like diabetic neuropathy and in some chronic pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome, phantom limb pain and chronic low back pain. Most of these conditions are more prone to occur between the ages of 40 to 65 years.

Eighty-four apparently normal subjects comprising of forty-two men and forty-two women were recruited conveniently for the study. Eleven sensory areas in lower extremity were selected which covers all major dermatomes. The ability to distinguish the two-points was estimated by using aesthesiometer in centimeters.

The reference value of two-point discrimination for the eleven sensory areas of lower limb was established. There exists significant (p<0.05) difference in the reference values between men and women and no difference in right and left side values among Indian adults.

The normal value of two-point discrimination for the lower limb among healthy Indian middle aged population was established. The men and women discriminate the two-point sensation significantly and there exist gender differences. There exists no difference in right and left side in both men and women.