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BACKGROUND: Research on foot and ankle proprioception is crucial for the rehabilitation of chronic ankle instability and geriatric diseases as well as for the improvement of body posture control and motor performance. Previous studies have often studied the sensory evaluation of the foot and ankle joints separately, which has limitations for a comprehensive understanding of their sensory function. OBJECTIVE: The foot and ankle complex is the only part in direct contact with the support surface, and plays an important role in the collective sensory feedback and regulation and balance control. By combing the existing investigation and research of foot and ankle ontology, the measurement and evaluation methods of the sensation of the foot and ankle complex are combed, in order to pave the way and provide the theoretical basis for future related studies. METHODS: Chinese terms “(foot OR foot ankle OR ankle) AND (sensation OR proprioception)” and English terms “(foot OR ankle) AND (feel OR proprioception)” were used as the keywords for retrieving relevant literature in the Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI. We understood the basic concepts, current status and scope of research on the foot and ankle, summarized and evaluated the proprioceptive evaluation methods of the foot and ankle, and finally included 57 papers for further review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The evaluation of foot and ankle complex sensation was mainly divided into sensory evaluation of the foot and proprioceptive evaluation of the ankle joint. The sensory evaluation of the foot mainly describes the sensation of the skin and the sensory feedback under the intervention conditions. The methods mainly include the pressure sensory threshold test, the two-point discrimination test of the foot (planar and plantar), and the duration test of skin vibration sensation. Ankle joint proprioception evaluation focuses on the description of joint position, motion range, force value and functional performance. The methods are mainly divided into static joint angle reset test, motion minimum threshold test, force perception reproduction test and dynamic balance, speed and walking ability tests. The report of quantitative results is generally expressed by “an error,” which is generally divided into absolute error, relative error, constant error, etc. To conclude, the foot and ankle complex has specific sensory capabilities, including foot sensation and ankle proprioception, which affect the quality of life and athletic performance of humans. Weakness of both foot sensation and ankle proprioception is associated with reduced human balance, and the combined measurements of the two can comprehensively and effectively evaluate foot and ankle function. The combination of foot and ankle sensory measures is selected according to different research needs and various influencing factors such as environment, emotion and reporting style are fully considered, to improve the validity of measurement and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial market activities are vulnerable to people's sensory cognition. In light of the rapid growth of digital inclusive finance, its development emerges as an increasingly significant indicator perceptible to individuals within the credit market. According to simultaneous contrast and successive contrast of the signals, people may change their economic decisions and behaviors. Research shows that digital inclusive finance casts significant influences on the real interest rate via credit transmission mechanism and multiple threshold effect, and the threshold variables show a significant time-lag effect. In the credit market, individuals'engagement with digital inclusive finance often mirrors the principles of sensory threshold and sensory adaptation. The development of digital inclusive finance can weaken the interest rate market's response to credit risk premiums. As digital inclusive finance develops more rapidly, people become more optimistic when facing credit risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In upright standing and walking, the motion of the body relative to the environment is estimated from a combination of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory cues. Associations between vestibular or somatosensory impairments and balance problems are well established, but less is known whether visual motion detection thresholds affect upright balance control. Typically, visual motion threshold values are measured while sitting, with the head fixated to eliminate self-motion. In this study we investigated whether visual motion detection thresholds: (1) can be reliably measured during standing and walking in the presence of natural self-motion; and (2) differ during standing and walking. Methods: Twenty-nine subjects stood on and walked on a self-paced, instrumented treadmill inside a virtual visual environment projected on a large dome. Participants performed a two-alternative forced choice experiment in which they discriminated between a counterclockwise ("left") and clockwise ("right") rotation of a visual scene. A 6-down 1-up adaptive staircase algorithm was implemented to change the amplitude of the rotation. A psychometric fit to the participants' binary responses provided an estimate for the detection threshold. Results: We found strong correlations between the repeated measurements in both the walking (R = 0.84, p < 0.001) and the standing condition (R = 0.73, p < 0.001) as well as good agreement between the repeated measures with Bland-Altman plots. Average thresholds during walking (mean = 1.04°C, SD = 0.43°C) were significantly higher than during standing (mean = 0.73°C, SD = 0.47°C). Conclusion: Visual motion detection thresholds can be reliably measured during both walking and standing, and thresholds are higher during walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since the analgesic effect of acupuncture stimulation is derived from different mechanisms depending on the type of pain, it is important to know which acupuncture points to stimulate. In this study, to confirm the effect of acupuncture stimulation on acute pain from a neurological point of view, somatosensory evoked potential and sensory threshold changes were evaluated to identify the nerve range that is affected by acupuncture stimulation on LI4 (Hapgok acupuncture point, of the radial nerve) during acute pain. Methods: The subjects were 40 healthy men and women aged 19-35 years. The study was designed as a randomly controlled, crossover trial with acupuncture stimulation at LI4 as the intervention. The washout period for acupuncture stimulation was 2 weeks, and the subjects were divided into two groups, i.e., an acupuncture stimulation group and a nonstimulation group, with 10 men and 10 women in each group. Somatosensory evoked potential measurement was carried out for 5 min by alternately applying 2 HZ-pulse electrical stimulation to the thumb and the little finger of the hand acupunctured with a 64-channel electroencephalogram. The verbal rating scale was used before and after each acupuncture stimulation session. Result and discussion: The results of the study confirmed that the somatosensory evoked potential amplitude value of the thumb was significantly decreased and that the intensity of sensory stimulation corresponding to a verbal rating scale score of 6 was significantly increased only in the thumb after acupuncture stimulation. Therefore, the results show that acupuncture treatment for acute pain is more effective when direct acupuncture stimulation is applied to the painful area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The tactile threshold test is feasible and valid in children with UMN lesions. • The tactile localization tasks are feasible and valid in children with UMN lesions. • The scores differed significantly between children with and without UMN lesions. • The inter-rater reliability was high for all 3 outcome measures. To investigate the feasibility, discriminative and convergent validity, and inter-rater reliability of a lower limb tactile function and 2 body awareness assessments in children with upper motor neuron (UMN) lesions. Cross-sectional psychometric study. Pediatric rehabilitation center. Forty individuals with UMN lesions (mean age 11.7 years, SD 3.4 years; 27 girls) and 40 neurotypically developing children of the same age participated (N=80). Not applicable. We assessed the tactile threshold (TT) with monofilaments and body awareness with tactile localization tasks (TLTs) for structural (TLT action) and spatial (TLT perception) body representation at the foot sole. We compared the test outcomes between children with UMN lesions and neurotypically developing children with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Furthermore, we quantified the relations between the 3 tests with Spearman correlations (r s) and the interrater reliability with quadratic weighted kappa (κ QW). About 80% of the children with UMN lesions perceived the tests easy to perform. The children with UMN lesions had significantly reduced somatosensory function compared with the neurotypically developing children. For the more affected leg, we found good relations between the TT and the TLT action (r s =0.71; P <.001) and between the 2 TLTs (r s =0.66; P <.001), and a fair relation between the TT and the TLT perception (r s =0.31; P =.06). The inter-rater reliability analyses for the sum scores showed almost perfect agreement for the TT (κ QW more affected leg 0.86; less affected leg 0.81), substantial agreement for TLT action (κ QW more affected leg 0.76; less affected leg 0.63), and almost perfect agreement for TLT perception (κ QW more affected leg 0.88; less affected leg 0.74). The 3 tests are feasible to assess lower limb somatosensory function in children with UMN lesions. Discriminative and convergent validity and reliability of the 3 tests were confirmed. Further studies should investigate responsiveness and association with motor function of these outcome measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motoki Sonohata,1,2,&ast; Atsushi Doi,3,&ast; Kazuyoshi Uchihashi,4 Akira Hashimoto,2 Sakumo Kii,1 Takao Inoue,5 Masaaki Mawatari1 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan; 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saga Central Hospital, Saga, Japan; 3Department of Rehabilitation, Kumamoto Health Science University, Kumamoto, Japan; 4Department of Surgical Pathology, National Hospital Organization Saga Hospital, Saga, Japan; 5Organization of Research Initiatives, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Atsushi Doi, Department of Rehabilitation, Kumamoto Health Science University, 324, Izumi, Kumamoto-kitaku, Kumamoto, 861-5598, Japan, Tel +81-96-275-2111, Email atsushidoi01@gmail.comPurpose: This study used a sciatic nerve injury rat model to investigate the short-term effects of a polyglycolic acid (PGA)-collagen tube for nerve injury in continuity.Materials and Methods: Sixteen female Wistar rats (6– 8 weeks) were used, and the left sciatic nerve was crushed with a Sugita aneurysm clip. Sciatic nerve model rats were randomly categorized into two groups (n = 8; control group, n = 8; nerve wrapping group). Then, we measured four sensory thresholds, magnetically stimulated the lumbar region to induce motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), and evaluated the sciatic nerve histopathologically.Results: In the sensory thresholds, there were significant differences for the main effect in 250 and 2000 Hz stimulation (p = 0.048 and 0.006, respectively). Further, a significant difference was observed with 2000 Hz stimulation at 1 week (p = 0.003). In the heat stimulation, there were significant differences for the main effect in both weeks and groups (p = 0.0002 and 0.0185, respectively). The post-hoc test showed a significant difference between groups only in 2W (p = 0.0283). Three weeks after the surgery, both 2nd and 3rd MEPs waves-related latencies in the nerve wrapping group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (p = 0.0207 and 0.0271, respectively). Histological evaluation of the sciatic nerve revealed considerable differences in the number of axons between the two groups (p = 0.0352).Conclusion: The short-term PGA-collagen tube nerve wrapping facilitated motor and sensory recovery from nerve degeneration in the sciatic nerve injury rat model.Keywords: polyglycolic acid-collagen tube, nerve wrapping, sciatic nerve injury, sensory threshold, motor and sensory recovery

IntroductionIn upright standing and walking, the motion of the body relative to the environment is estimated from a combination of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory cues. Associations between vestibular or somatosensory impairments and balance problems are well established, but less is known whether visual motion detection thresholds affect upright balance control. Typically, visual motion threshold values are measured while sitting, with the head fixated to eliminate self-motion. In this study we investigated whether visual motion detection thresholds: (1) can be reliably measured during standing and walking in the presence of natural self-motion; and (2) differ during standing and walking.MethodsTwenty-nine subjects stood on and walked on a self-paced, instrumented treadmill inside a virtual visual environment projected on a large dome. Participants performed a two-alternative forced choice experiment in which they discriminated between a counterclockwise (“left”) and clockwise (“right”) rotation of a visual scene. A 6-down 1-up adaptive staircase algorithm was implemented to change the amplitude of the rotation. A psychometric fit to the participants’ binary responses provided an estimate for the detection threshold.ResultsWe found strong correlations between the repeated measurements in both the walking (R = 0.84, p < 0.001) and the standing condition (R = 0.73, p < 0.001) as well as good agreement between the repeated measures with Bland–Altman plots. Average thresholds during walking (mean = 1.04°, SD = 0.43°) were significantly higher than during standing (mean = 0.73°, SD = 0.47°).ConclusionVisual motion detection thresholds can be reliably measured during both walking and standing, and thresholds are higher during walking.

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between sensory sensitivity and autistic eating behaviours or Eating Disorders (EDs) symptomatology, in a group of 75 adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) without intellectual disabilities, through a series of self-report questionnaires. We found that, controlling for demographic and clinical features: (i) hypersensitivity in the vision domain predicted higher levels of both EDs symptoms and autistic eating behaviours; (ii) hyposensitivity in the taste domain predicted higher levels of EDs symptoms. This gives preliminary evidence that not only in children diagnosed with ASDs, but even in adult individuals, the threshold of sensory sensitivity is associated with dysfunctional eating behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromuscular excitability plays an essential role in electrotherapy treatment. The vast majority of these treatments are procedures that change the sensitivity to sensory stimuli, especially pain, with the use of an electric current. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the sensory threshold in response to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), taking into account certain personal factors, such as sex, body composition, and phases of the menstrual cycle. The study involved 205 women and 49 men aged 19–33 years. Sensory threshold was examined by TENS stimulation (a biphasic current waveform, 100 Hz and 100 µs) and body composition using a TANITA analyzer. The mean sensitivity threshold in women was lower than in men (mean ± SD, F: 8.78 ± 2.11 mA vs. M: 11.20 ± 3.29 mA, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in sensory threshold during the different phases of a woman's monthly cycle. The taller the woman, the higher the sensory threshold (B ± SE, 0.15 ± 0.07, p = 0.036), while those with a higher percentage of body fat and a higher total water content had a lower sensory threshold (fat: B ± SE, −0.25 ± 0.07, p < 0.001; water: B ± SE, −0.20 ± 0.07, p = 0.003). In conclusion, the sensory threshold in women was lower than in men. In women aged 19–33 years, the phases of the monthly cycle did not affect the sensory threshold; however, being taller and having less body fat and a lower water content increased the sensory threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate self-rated olfactory dysfunction in relation to measured olfactory function after partial or complete subjective recovery in individuals with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. A total of 186 individuals (aged 5–62 years) with a history of COVID-19 infection were included. Visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings for olfactory function (before, during, and after infection) and age-appropriate psychophysical olfactory test scores (odor threshold and odor identification: "Sniffin' Sticks" for adults and both "Sniffin' Sticks" and "U-Sniff" for children) were determined. Participants were assigned to four "age groups" and three "recovery classes" (incomplete recovery, complete recovery, no smell loss). Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in odor threshold and adult identification scores between the "recovery classes". However, children with "incomplete recovery" had lower identification scores than those with "complete recovery" (p = 0.033) and those with "no smell loss" (p = 0.022). The pediatric age groups had significantly higher VAS ratings during and after COVID-19 compared to older participants. Older individuals experienced greater magnitude of changes in their sense of smell after COVID-19 infection, but those with parosmia were 3.5 times more likely to report "incomplete recovery" of olfaction after COVID-19. The general prognosis for olfactory recovery after COVID-19 is good but appears to be particularly confounded by the presence of parosmia, leading patients to subjectively report incomplete olfactory recovery. Although it is of high significance to monitor recovery using validated psychophysical olfactory tests, subjective measures of olfaction help provide specific insight, especially for qualitative olfactory dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common comorbidity in individuals with schizophrenia is substance use disorder. Sensory processing disorders seen in individuals with schizophrenia may cause substance use. This study aimed to examine the sensory processing patterns of individuals with schizophrenia with substance use disorder. Another aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the sensory patterns and the symptoms of schizophrenia. The study included 62 patients with schizophrenia with substance use disorders and 57 patients with schizophrenia who didn't use substances. The sensory processing patterns of the participants were evaluated using the self- diagnostic Adolescent/ Adult Sensory Profile. The symptoms of schizophrenia of the participants were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. Substance use groups' sensory processing patterns were significantly different from the schizophrenia without substance use (p <.001). Sensory variables didn't reveal a significant relationship with gender and substance use severity (p >.05). There was a correlation between sensory processing patterns of individuals with schizophrenia with substance use and positive symptoms (p <.05). Further investigation of the factors causing sensory processing disorders caused by substance use in schizophrenia patients will help occupational therapists devise intervention strategies in the treatment of factors causing substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study purports to bridge the gap in research directed at people with Low Functioning Autism (LFA) by exploring if sensory discrimination ability can be used to assess cognitive functioning in children with LFA. The study was done in two phases: (i) a pilot phase (with 4 male participants; mean age = 3 years 6.5 months)—which tried to validate whether the paradigm of 'visual paired comparison' procedure (Fantz, Science, 146, 668–670, 1964) can be effectively used in measurement of perceptual judgment of LFA, diagnosed on the basis of 'Autism Diagnostic Checklist' by Banerjee (Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 34, 83–93, 2007). (ii) A main phase (with 20 participants; male = 18, female = 2; mean age = 4 years 8 months)—which determined sensory discrimination ability in LFA in the auditory and visual modality and related the findings with the sensory threshold of the children by using 'The Sensory Profile' (Kumar and Banerjee, Development of sensory integration therapeutic module for autism and its effect on some functional areas of autism. Unpublished Ph.D Thesis, 2011). The results reveal that the 'Visual Paired Comparison' paradigm can be used as a tool to discern sensory discrimination ability in children with Low Functioning Autism. Also, sensory discrimination can be used to differentiate the cognitive ability of children with Low Functioning Autism. The behavioural repertoire of sensory discrimination is associated with the sensory threshold of the participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of low frequency pulse stimulation acupoint therapy combined with regular aerobic exercise on sensory threshold, nerve conduction velocity and hemorheology in patients with type 2 diabetes peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods: 136 patients with DPN who were admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected. According to random number table method, they were divided into control group (n=68, conventional treatment combined with regular aerobic exercise) and study group (n=68, received low frequency pulse stimulation acupoint therapy on the basis of control group) . Both groups were treated for 14 days as a course of treatment, and both groups were treated for 2 courses. Efficacy, sensory threshold, nerve conduction velocity and hemorheology changes were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate of the study group was 91.18% (62/68), which was higher than75% (51/68) of the control group (P<0.05). The nervus peroneus communis conduction velocity (SCV), tibial nerve conduction velocity (SCV), nervus peroneus communis conduction velocity (MCV) and tibial nerve conduction velocity (MCV) were all increased in both groups 2 courses after treatment, and the degree of change of the study group was greater than that of the control group (P<0.05). 2courses after treatment, whole blood viscosity (high shear, low shear), hematocrit, plasma viscosity and platelet adhesion rate decreased in both groups, and the degree of change of the study group was greater than that of the control group (P<0.05). Neurological symptom score, neurological reflex, sensory function and total score decreased in both groups 2 courses after treatment, and the degree of change of the study group was greater than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Low frequency pulse stimulation combined with regular aerobic exercise can improve nerve conduction velocity, sensory threshold and hemorheology in patients with DPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The influence of the menstrual cycle on physical fitness in athletes is controversial in the scientific literature. There is a marked fluctuation of sex hormones at three key points of the menstrual cycle, where estrogen and progesterone vary significantly. Hormonal contraception induces hormonal levels different from the natural menstrual cycle, requiring specific study in relation to physical fitness. (2) Method: Women aged 18 to 40 years with regular natural menstrual cycles and women using hormonal contraception were recruited, creating two study groups. All participants needed to be athletes classified as level II–III, based on training volume/physical activity metrics, among other variables. To assess their physical fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness (measured by V˙O2max), high-speed strength, hand grip strength, and flexibility were evaluated. Blood samples were taken to determine the menstrual cycle phase through analysis of sex hormone levels. Additionally, urine tests for ovulation detection were performed for the natural menstrual cycle group. Neurosensory stimulation tests were incorporated to measure sensory thresholds and pain thresholds in each phase. Body composition in each phase and its relationship with the other variables were also taken into account. (3) Results: Athletes in the natural cycling group showed differences in V˙O2max (mL·kg−1·min−1) (phase I = 41.75 vs. phase II = 43.85 and (p = 0.004) and phase I vs. phase III = 43.25 mL·kg−1·min−1 (p = 0.043)), as well as in body weight (phase I = 63.23 vs. phase III = 62.48 kg; p = 0.006), first pain threshold (phase I = 1.34 vs. phase II = 1.69 (p = 0.027) and phase III = 1.59 mA (p = 0.011)), and sensitive threshold (phase I = 0.64 vs. phase II = 0.76 mA (p = 0.017)). The pain threshold was found to be an important covariate in relation to V˙O2max, explaining 31.9% of the variance in phase I (p = 0.006). These findings were not observed between the two phases of contraceptive cycling. (4) Conclusion: The natural menstrual cycle will cause significant changes in the physical fitness of athletes. The use of hormonal contraception is not innocuous. Women with natural cycles show an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness in phases II and III, which is a factor to be considered in relation to training level and workload.

Neuromuscular excitability plays an essential role in electrotherapy treatment. The vast majority of these treatments are procedures that change the sensitivity to sensory stimuli, especially pain, with the use of an electric current. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the sensory threshold in response to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), taking into account certain personal factors, such as sex, body composition, and phases of the menstrual cycle. The study involved 205 women and 49 men aged 19–33 years. Sensory threshold was examined by TENS stimulation (a biphasic current waveform, 100 Hz and 100 µs) and body composition using a TANITA analyzer. The mean sensitivity threshold in women was lower than in men (mean ± SD, F: 8.78 ± 2.11 mA vs. M: 11.20 ± 3.29 mA, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in sensory threshold during the different phases of a woman’s monthly cycle. The taller the woman, the higher the sensory threshold (B ± SE, 0.15 ± 0.07, p = 0.036), while those with a higher percentage of body fat and a higher total water content had a lower sensory threshold (fat: B ± SE, −0.25 ± 0.07, p < 0.001; water: B ± SE, −0.20 ± 0.07, p = 0.003). In conclusion, the sensory threshold in women was lower than in men. In women aged 19–33 years, the phases of the monthly cycle did not affect the sensory threshold; however, being taller and having less body fat and a lower water content increased the sensory threshold.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate self-rated olfactory dysfunction in relation to measured olfactory function after partial or complete subjective recovery in individuals with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. A total of 186 individuals (aged 5–62 years) with a history of COVID-19 infection were included. Visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings for olfactory function (before, during, and after infection) and age-appropriate psychophysical olfactory test scores (odor threshold and odor identification: “Sniffin’ Sticks” for adults and both “Sniffin’ Sticks” and “U-Sniff” for children) were determined. Participants were assigned to four “age groups” and three “recovery classes” (incomplete recovery, complete recovery, no smell loss). Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in odor threshold and adult identification scores between the “recovery classes”. However, children with “incomplete recovery” had lower identification scores than those with “complete recovery” (p = 0.033) and those with “no smell loss” (p = 0.022). The pediatric age groups had significantly higher VAS ratings during and after COVID-19 compared to older participants. Older individuals experienced greater magnitude of changes in their sense of smell after COVID-19 infection, but those with parosmia were 3.5 times more likely to report “incomplete recovery" of olfaction after COVID-19. The general prognosis for olfactory recovery after COVID-19 is good but appears to be particularly confounded by the presence of parosmia, leading patients to subjectively report incomplete olfactory recovery. Although it is of high significance to monitor recovery using validated psychophysical olfactory tests, subjective measures of olfaction help provide specific insight, especially for qualitative olfactory dysfunction.

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia related to physical activity produces sensory adaptations, but its mechanism remains unclear. Quantitative sensory testing is an effective measurement tool to identify sensory changes, but the extent of evidence linking quantitative sensory testing and physical activity has not been explored. The purpose of this scoping review is to synthesize the evidence on using quantitative sensory testing to evaluate psychophysical changes related to physical activity in adult populations. The researchers developed a comprehensive search strategy with a Health Sciences Librarian using the Arksey and O'Malley Methodological framework. Four databases (Medline [PubMed], CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched for peer-reviewed primary research. After 2790 articles were evaluated, 196 studies were included for final review. More than half of studies used randomized controlled trial design (50.5%), followed by quasi-experimental (24.0%) and observational (25.5%) strategies. Healthy adults (42.9%) and individuals with chronic health conditions (20.9%) were examined most frequently. Aerobic (27.6%) and strength (21.4%) physical activity types were most commonly studied. Static quantitative sensory testing measures of pressure pain threshold (84%) were used most frequently. The findings of this scoping review demonstrate available evidence for quantitative sensory testing as a measurement tool of neuromodulation related to physical activity in adult populations. A systematic review is warranted to examine outcomes and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medical science is constantly looking for effective methods to prevent involutional changes. Whole-body vibration training is a promising form of whole-body rehabilitation.Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of whole-body vibration on basic cardiovascular parameters (heart rate and blood pressure) and changes in the perception of an external stimulus among postmenopausal women with varying body composition.Material and methods: This was a pilot study and involved 20 women. Before the procedure, body composition analysis was performed using the Tanita analyser. All participants underwent a series of vibration massage treatments lasting 30 minutes. Blood pressure, heart rate and sensory threshold levels were measured before and after the vibrotherapy.Results: Diastolic blood pressure before vs. after (median; 74.20 vs.71.45 mm Hg; p=0.047), and heart rate before vs. after (median; 67.40 vs. 66.00 bpm; p

After stroke, patients can experience visual hypersensitivity, an increase in their sensitivity for visual stimuli as compared to their state prior to the stroke. Candidate behavioural mechanisms for these subjective symptoms are atypical bottom-up sensory processing and impaired selective attention, but empirical evidence is currently lacking. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between post-stroke visual hypersensitivity and sensory thresholds, sensory processing speed, and selective attention using computational modelling of behavioural data. During a whole/partial report task, participants (51 stroke patients, 76 orthopedic patients, and 77 neurotypical adults) had to correctly identify a single target letter that was presented alone (for 17–100 ms) or along a distractor (for 83ms). Performance on this task was used to estimate the sensory threshold, sensory processing speed, and selective attention abilities of each participant. In the stroke population, both on a group and individual level, there was evidence for impaired selective attention and -to a lesser extent- lower sensory thresholds in patients with post-stroke visual hypersensitivity as compared to neurotypical adults, orthopedic patients, or stroke patients without post-stroke sensory hypersensitivity. These results provide a significant advancement in our comprehension of post-stroke visual hypersensitivity and can serve as a catalyst for further investigations into the underlying mechanisms of sensory hypersensitivity after other types of acquired brain injury as well as post-injury hypersensitivity for other sensory modalities. • Stroke survivors often report an increased sensitivity to visual stimuli. • The behavioural mechanisms of post-stroke visual hypersensitivity remain unclear. • This study links post-stroke visual hypersensitivity to impaired selective attention. • Our results also suggest an association with lower sensory thresholds. • Understanding post-stroke sensory hypersensitivity can improve symptom treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose detection and discrimination thresholds were determined by conducting two alternative forced-choice tests with aqueous solutions. The standard models probit and logit, and non-linear were fitted to the empirical psychometric functions. 0, 7 and 15 g/L sucrose solutions were used as standard stimuli in the detection and discrimination experiments (two levels) respectively. Comparison stimuli consisted of aqueous sucrose solutions with concentrations from 0.5 to 25 g/L. Observed absolute threshold was around 2.96 g/L and the difference limen for 7 and 15 g/L standard stimuli was around 2.98 g/L and 5.29 g/L, respectively. Calculated Weber fractions for 7 and 15 g/L standard stimuli were 0.42 and 0.35, respectively. Judges' performance in the discrimination experiment was similar to that observed in the detection experiment. Goodness of fit for probit and logit models was similar. The non-linear model showed a lower average error and demonstrated an excellent predictive ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is a common disease with no fully defined pathophysiological processes. We designed a study to value electrophysiological responses in these patients and their correlation with possible psychopathological manifestations in order to deepen understanding of central and peripheral mechanisms of CTTH. In 40 patients with CTTH and 40 healthy controls, we used electrical stimulation to determine sensory threshold (SPT) and pain perception threshold (PPT) and the characteristics of the electrophysiological sensory nerve action potential (SNAP): initial sensory response (ISR) and supramaximal response (SMR). We then calculated the intensity differences between thresholds (IDT), namely SPT-PPT, ISR-SMR and SMR-PPT, and correlated these IDTs with psychological characteristics: trait and state anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. The SPT, together with the ISR and SMR thresholds, were higher (p < 0.01) in CTTH patients. The SMR-PPT IDT was smaller and correlated with significantly higher indicators of depression, state and trait anxiety, and poorer cognitive reappraisal. CTTH patients have less capacity to recognize non-nociceptive sensory stimuli, greater tendency toward pain facilitation, and a poor central pain control requiring higher stimulation intensity thresholds to reach the start and the peak amplitude of the SNAP. This is consistent with relative hypoexcitability of the Aβ nerve fibers in distant regions from the site of pain, and therefore, it could be considered a generalized dysfunction with a focal expression. Pain facilitation is directly associated with psychological comorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and anthropometric indices on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).Methods: Forty-three healthy controls and 41 CTS patients were enrolled. Complaints of patients were assessed by Boston Questionnaire (BQ). MetS components were investigated. Wrist circumference, wrist depth, wrist width, palm width, and palm length were measured. Routine nerve conduction studies of median and ulnar nerves as well as the "sensitive" comparison tests were performed. Cutaneous silent period (CuSP) was studied by stimulating both second and fifth digital nerves while recording over thenar muscles.Results: The vast majority of the participants were female and right-handed. CTS was bilateral in 61% of patients. Data of 109 hands were analyzed. MetS was more frequent in CTS patients. BQ scores were not related to MetS. Waist circumference, serum TG, and fasting glucose levels were higher in CTS patients. CTS hands with MetS had lower median CMAP amplitudes and increased sensory thresholds. Sensory thresholds were increased with both median and ulnar nerve stimulations suggesting a wider spread of peripheral nerve excitability changes in MetS presence. CuSPs were recorded from all 109 hands. CuSP latencies and durations were similar between controls and CTS patients. Wrist ratio was the only anthropometric index that was a statistically significant predictor for CTS development.Conclusion: MetS was more prevalent in CTS patients. Some clinical and electrophysiological features (mainly sensory thresholds) may worsen in presence of MetS, but not the wrist ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Infraorbital nerve dysfunction is commonly reported after zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. We evaluated sensory changes in four designated areas (eyelid, nose, zygoma, and lip) innervated by the infraorbital nerve. This evaluation was conducted using the static two-point discrimination test and the vibration threshold test. We assessed the diagnostic significance of the blink reflex in patients with infraorbital nerve dysfunction. Methods This study included 18 patients, all of whom complained of some degree of infraorbital nerve dysfunction preoperatively. A visual analog scale, the infraorbital blink reflex, static two-point discrimination, and the vibration threshold were assessed preoperatively, at 1 month postoperatively (T1), and at a final follow-up that took place at least 4 months postoperatively (T4). The results were analyzed using a multilevel generalized linear mixed model. Results Scores on the visual analog scale significantly improved at T1 and T4. The infraorbital blink reflex significantly improved at T4. Visual analog scale scores improved more rapidly than the infraorbital blink reflex. Two-point discrimination significantly improved in all areas at T4, and the vibration perception threshold significantly improved in the eyelid at T4. Conclusions Recovery of the infraorbital blink reflex reflected the recovery of infraorbital nerve dysfunction. We also determined that the lip tended to recover later than the other areas innervated by the infraorbital nerve.

• Improving postural balance using somatosensory stimulation is not systematic. • Interindividual variability could explain the heterogeneous nature of the results. • Individuals with the worst initial balance control benefit more from stimulation. The sensory electrical stimulation applied to the postural muscles provides additional sensory information that improves postural balance but this improvement seems to be highly subject-dependent. The first aim was to analyse the effects of sensory electrical stimulation on postural balance and the second aim was to analyse these effects depending on intrinsic postural balance abilities of subjects. Twenty healthy young male participants completed a monopedal postural task with sensory electrical stimulation (1 ms; 10 Hz; 7 ± 2 mA i.e., twice the intensity corresponding to the sensory threshold) and without sensory electrical stimulation. Pearson's product-moment correlations were performed on centre of pressure parameters to assess whether the participant's balance abilities at baseline were related to the beneficial effects of sensory electrical stimulation. The results showed positive correlations for all the variables measured (i.e., with r2 from 0.32 to 0.35). Evidence suggests that subjects' abilities to take advantage from electrically induced additional afferents depended on participants' intrinsic balance abilities. In fact, subjects who exhibited the worst postural balance at baseline (i.e. without stimulation) benefited more from the effects of sensory electrical stimulation than subjects who displayed the best postural balance at baseline. In physically impaired subjects, as part of functional rehabilitation, sensory electrical stimulation would be particularly interesting in order to limit their risk of falling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To better characterize differences in interictal sensory experience in adults with migraine and more comprehensively describe the relevance of anxiety to these experiences. Background: Evidence suggests that sensitivity to sensory input may not be limited to migraine attacks but continues between them. However, there is a need to better understand whether this is the case across senses, and to clearly distinguish sensory experience from measured sensory threshold, which are not straightforwardly related. Previous literature also indicates a co‐occurrence between sensory sensitivity, migraine, and anxiety, but this relationship remains to be fully elucidated. Methods: The present cross‐sectional study used online questionnaires to investigate how self‐reported sensory experiences relate to migraine in a large community sample including 117 individuals with probable migraine and 827 without. Mediation analyses were also used to determine whether any relationship between migraine and sensory sensitivity was mediated by anxiety. Results: Significant increases in subjective reports of sensory sensitivity (d = 0.80) and sensory avoidance (d = 0.71) were found in participants with migraine. Anxiety symptoms partially mediated the relationship between subjective sensory sensitivity and migraine. Finally, visual, movement, and auditory subscales were found to provide unique explanatory variance in analyses predicting the incidence of migraine (area under the curve = 0.73, 0.69, 0.62 respectively). Conclusion: Subjective sensory sensitivities are present between attacks and across senses in individuals with migraine. Anxiety symptoms are relevant to this relationship; however, sensory sensitivities appear to exist independent of this affective influence. The implications of interictal sensitivities for the daily lives of those with migraine should, therefore, be considered in clinical management wherever appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This critical review describes key methodological aspects for a successful oro‐facial psychophysical evaluation of the somatosensory system and highlights the diagnostic value of somatosensory assessment and management perspectives based on somatosensory profiling. Methods: This topical review was based on a non‐systematic search for studies about somatosensory evaluation in oro‐facial pain in PubMed and Embase. Results: The recent progress regarding the psychophysical evaluation of somatosensory function was largely possible due to the development and application of valid, reliable and standardised psychophysical methods. Qualitative sensory testing may be useful as a screening tool to rule out relevant somatosensory abnormalities. Nevertheless, the patient should preferably be referred to a more comprehensive assessment with the quantitative sensory testing battery if confirmation of somatosensory abnormalities is necessary. Moreover, the identification of relevant somatosensory alterations in chronic pain disorders that do not fulfil the current criteria to be regarded as neuropathic has also increased the usefulness of somatosensory evaluation as a feasible method to better characterise the patients and perhaps elucidate some underpinnings of the so‐called 'nociplastic' pain disorders. Finally, an additional benefit of oro‐facial pain treatment based on somatosensory profiling still needs to be demonstrated and convincing evidence of somatosensory findings as predictors of treatment efficacy in chronic oro‐facial pain awaits further studies. Conclusion: Psychophysical evaluation of somatosensory function in oro‐facial pain is still in its infancy but with a clear potential to continue to improve the assessment, diagnosis and management of oro‐facial pain patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medical Rehabilitation / Rehabilitacja Medyczna is the property of Medical Rehabilitation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Several sodium reduction strategies have been studied on meat products because of its association with non-communicable diseases; however, overall flavor is usually affected. This study’s aim was to reduce salt in three meat products (chorizo and two sausages: regular and low fat) without consumers awareness using the JND methodology. The threshold constant stimuli method used 1.95% salt in chorizo, and 2.24% in both sausages as the constant stimulus. Salt concentrations around these numbers were compared against the constant stimulus using a 2-AFC difference test to calculate the JND. A second study was performed to confirm consumers did not perceive a difference on salt perception of reduced salt products. Total salt reduction obtained was between 18.5% and 22% for the three products. Consumers did not find difference in saltiness between regular and reduced-salt versions. Using JND methodology, gradual salt reduction programs could achieve accurate and major salt reductions without consumers’ awareness.

• Somatosensory electrical stimulation can facilitate balance. • However, a 200% supra-sensory threshold intensity was too high to facilitate balance. • The intensity should be close to the sensory threshold to facilitate balance. • Excitomotor electrical stimulation did not disturb balance control. Somatosensory (which activates sensory neurons only) and excitomotor (which activates both motoneurons and sensory neurons) electrical stimulations applied on the musculature of the lower-limb are likely to facilitate and disturb balance control respectively. The aim of this study was to compare the possible balance control modifications induced by somatosensory (SS) and excitomotor (EX) electrical stimulations applied on the quadriceps femoris in quiet standing condition. Kinetics and kinematics parameters were recorded with a force platform (displacements of center of foot pressure) and a 3D analysis system (hip, knee and ankle angles) respectively during a postural task. Twenty healthy young male participants carried out a monopedal postural task (i.e., unilateral stance) in three conditions: SS stimulation (1ms; 10Hz; 7±2 mA i.e., twice the intensity corresponding to the sensory threshold), EX stimulation (400 µs; 50 Hz; 20 ± 5 mA i.e., twice the intensity corresponding to the motor threshold), and a control (CONT) condition without stimulation. The results showed no significant differences between the three conditions except for the knee' angle which was higher in the EX condition (167.3±11.6 vs 164.3±5.8 and 163.9±8) (p < 0.005) than in the two other conditions (SS stimulation and CONT). This means that the EX stimulation induced a postural position change (i.e., a slight knee extension) during the monopedal postural task without altering balance control. Overall, on the basis of the stimulation parameters used in the present work, neither the SS stimulation, nor the EX stimulation facilitated or disturbed postural balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the feasibility of commercially available multielectrode cardiac electrophysiology catheters to detect electrical activity in the human bladder. Methods: Ten subjects requiring cystoscopy for the evaluation of lower urinary tract pathology were eligible for participation in our study. After routine rigid cystoscopy with a 70° cystoscope, various multielectrode cardiac electrophysiology catheters were introduced into the bladder. One of three catheters with different electrode configurations was used per subject. Electroanatomical images of the bladder were created and spontaneous electrical activity was recorded. Subjective response to electrical stimuli delivered across the electrodes (20 mA at 5 ms pulse width, rate 100 ms) was also recorded. The responses were qualitatively compared with that from a prior study. Results: Electrical activity recorded at the dome of the bladder was less than 0.5 mV and low frequency. Myopotentials resembling smooth muscle were detected at electrodes near or within the trigone. A sensory response was reported with the use of pacing stimuli, with the sensation in the trigone being reported more often than the dome of the bladder. Stimulation in the trigone triggered sensory urgency and voiding in a patient with a history of overactive bladder. Conclusions: The use of multielectrode catheters to measure human bladder electrophysiologic activity is feasible. Issues with noise reduction still exist, though to a lesser extent with the multielectrode basket design than simple quadripolar one. Sensory responses to pacing stimuli may be useful for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay presents the experimental subject as a figure of modernity. It addresses notions of control, sensory thresholds, automatism, and human agency through a study of experimental psychology and psychological apparatus from the late 19th century to the First World War, juxtaposing this with notions of experimentation in early 20th-century avant-garde movements. The human subject of experimental psychology, defined by its inexpression as it awaits the stimuli of testing and measurement, is treated as a prototype for the present-day user of technological interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an oro‐facial disease with neuropathic characteristics. Psychophysics, such as quantitative sensory testing (QST), is used to sub‐classify neuropathic pain syndromes, but their usefulness in characterising BMS is not yet clear. Objective: The aim of this study was to summarise and to quantitatively and qualitatively analyse the available information about QST findings in BMS, and to reflect on possible mechanisms of disease. Methods: In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, different search strategies were used to screen for articles in PubMed, Embase, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar and two sources of conference abstracts. Primary clinical studies focused on QST assessment in patients with BMS were included. Data were synthesised qualitatively and quantitatively. Risk of bias was assessed following the AHRQ guidelines. Results: Thirteen articles with low to moderate risk of bias and one conference abstract were selected from 45 unique articles that were identified. Individually, the studies reported combinations of thermal and mechanical sensory impairments measured by QST. The meta‐analysis showed significant sensory differences between patients and controls in warmth (effect size = 0.683; P <.05) and cold detection thresholds (effect size = −0.580; P <.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that thermal sensitivity seems to be altered in patients with BMS compared to controls, suggesting a small‐fibre neuropathy. However, study protocols were highly variable and heterogeneous. Therefore, studies with better designs and complete reporting of results should be performed to bring value to the use of psychophysics in the assessment of BMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atsushi Doi,1,2,* Juntaro Sakasaki,3,* Chikato Tokunaga,4,* Fumiya Sugita,5,* Syota Kasae,6 Keisuke Nishimura,7 Yushi Sato,8 Takako Kuratsu,9 Sariya Hashiguchi,10 Min-Chul Shin,1,2 Megumu Yoshimura11 1Department of Physical Therapy, Kumamoto Health Science University, Kumamoto, Japan; 2Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kumamoto Health Science University, Kumamoto, Japan; 3Department of Rehabilitation, Tokyo-Wangan Rehabilitation Hospital, Narashino, Japan; 4Department of Rehabilitation, Himeno Hospital, Yame, Japan; 5Department of Rehabilitation, Tamana Central Hospital, Tamana, Japan; 6Department of Rehabilitation, Shimizu Hospital, Kyoto, Japan; 7Department of Rehabilitation, Iizuka Hospital, Iizuka, Japan; 8Department of Rehabilitation, Showa Hospital, Shimonoseki, Japan; 9Department of Rehabilitation, Konan Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan; 10Department of Rehabilitation, Asahino-Sogo Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan; 11Nakamura Hospital, Nogata, Japan *These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of localized vibration on sensory thresholds in mice and humans using a novel quantitative method. Participants and methods: The sensory thresholds of 7-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were measured with four sine-wave electrostimulation frequencies (5, 50, 250, and 2,000 Hz) before and after applying 2-minute vibration to the plantar side of the foot in mice. In human participants (16 males and 16 females; mean age, 21.0±0.8 years), the sensory threshold was measured at 50 Hz before and after applying 2-minute and 5-minute vibrations to the dorsal side of the foot. Results: Application of a 2-minute vibration at either the ipsilateral or contralateral side modulated the sensory thresholds elicited by a 5- or 50-Hz right electrostimulation in mice. In human participants, application of a 5-minute vibration at either the ipsilateral or contralateral side modulated the sensory threshold elicited by 50-Hz right electrostimulation, but had no effect on local skin temperature. These results suggest that the right side of pain-related Aδ fibers (50 Hz) or C fibers (5 Hz) was modulated by the localized ipsilateral or contralateral side of vibratory stimuli, respectively, in mice and humans. Conclusion: The ability of contralateral vibration to modify the right sensory thresholds suggests possible involvement of the central nervous system in vibratory modulation. Keywords: vibration, sensory threshold, electrostimulation, central modulation

There is evidence showing that increasing the vertical dimension of occlusion, or interocclusal distance, reduces pain symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism. The mechanism underlying the analgesic effect is still under investigation. Some researchers propose either a gate mechanism or the activation of the trigemino-cardiac reflex. In this study, sensory and pain thresholds changes in the mandibular district have been evaluated in twenty healthy subjects immediately after 5 minutes of mandibular stretching at maximum opening of the jaw. Results showed a 60% increment in sensory threshold and a 70% increment in pain threshold (p<0.001) compared with the baseline values. The magnitude of the analgesic effect seems proportional to the extent of mandibular opening. These and similar results are discussed as for the implication in the treatment of TMD related symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signal detection theory is one of psychology's most well-known and influential theoretical frameworks. However, the conceptual hurdles that had to be overcome before the theory could finally emerge in its modern form in the early 1950s seem to have been largely forgotten. Here, I trace the origins of signal detection theory, beginning with Fechner's (1860/1966)Elements of Psychophysics. Over and above the Gaussian-based mathematical framework conceived by Fechner in 1860, nearly a century would pass before psychophysicists finally realized in 1953 that the distribution of sensations generated by neural noise falls above, not below, the threshold of conscious awareness. An extensive body of single-unit recording and neuroimaging research conducted since then supports the idea that sensory noise yields genuinely felt conscious sensations even in the complete absence of stimulation. That hard-to-come-by insight in 1953 led immediately to the notion of a movable decision criterion and to the methodology of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Over the ensuing years, signal detection theory and ROC analysis have had an enormous impact on basic and applied science alike. Yet, in some quarters of our field, that fact appears to be virtually unknown. By tracing both its fascinating origins and its phenomenal impact, I hope to illustrate why no area of experimental psychology should ever be oblivious to signal detection theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unilateral brachial plexus injury (BPI) impairs sensory and motor functions of the upper limb. This study aimed to map in detail brachial plexus sensory impairment both in the injured and the uninjured upper limb. Touch sensation was measured through Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments at the autonomous regions of the brachial plexus nerves, hereafter called points of exclusive innervation (PEIs). Seventeen BPI patients (31.35 years±6.9 SD) and 14 age-matched healthy controls (27.57 years±5.8 SD) were tested bilaterally at six selected PEIs (axillary, musculocutaneous, median, radial, ulnar, and medial antebrachial cutaneous [MABC]). As expected, the comparison between the control group and the brachial plexus patients' injured limb showed a robust difference for all PEIs (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, the comparison between the control group and the brachial plexus uninjured limb revealed a difference for the median (p = 0.0074), radial (p = 0.0185), ulnar (p = 0.0404), and MABC (p = 0.0328) PEIs. After splitting the sample into two groups with respect to the dominance of the injured limb, higher threshold values were found for the uninjured side when it occurred in the right dominant limb compared to the control group at the median (p = 0.0456), radial (p = 0.0096), and MABC (p = 0.0078) PEIs. This effect was absent for the left, non-dominant arm. To assess the effect of the severity of sensory deficits observed in the injured limb upon the alterations of the uninjured limb, a K-means clustering algorithm (k = 2) was applied resulting in two groups with less or more severe sensory impairment. The less severely affected patients presented higher thresholds at the median (p = 0.0189), radial (p = 0.0081), ulnar (p = 0.0253), and MABC (p = 0.0187) PEIs in the uninjured limb in comparison with the control group, whereas higher thresholds at the uninjured limb were found only for the median PEI (p = 0.0457) in the more severely affected group. In conclusion, an expressive reduction in touch threshold was found for the injured limb allowing a precise mapping of the impairment caused by the BPI. Crucially, BPI also led to reduced tactile threshold in specific PEIs in the uninjured upper limb. These new findings suggest a superordinate model of representational plasticity occurring bilaterally in the brain after a unilateral peripheral injury.

Background: There is currently no established therapy for allodynia, which is a type of neuropathic pain. However, high concentrations of topical anesthetics can anesthetize the skin and increase the sensory threshold to tactile stimulation. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the short-term effects and safety of 10% lidocaine ointment for treating allodynia in cancer pain. Design: This was a randomized double-blind crossover study comparing the efficacies of 10% lidocaine ointment and placebo ointment for the treatment of static allodynia and spontaneous pain within 24 hours after ointment application, using a numerical rating scale (NRS). Setting/Subjects: The subjects were 25 cancer patients with current pain rating of ≥4 on NRS of static allodynia in cancer pain. Results: The NRS scores for static allodynia were significantly lower in the lidocaine group than in the placebo group at two to eight hours after initial ointment application. A total of 56% of patients (95% confidence interval 35%–77%) had NRS improvements of ≥50% at eight hours after lidocaine ointment application compared with 20% (3%–37%) after placebo ointment application. There was no interaction between time and group in terms of NRS values for spontaneous pain (p = 0.835), but a significant main effect of group was found, with NRS scores being significantly lower in the lidocaine group than in the placebo group (p = 0.027). There were no adverse events associated with lidocaine use. Conclusions: Lidocaine ointment 10% can alleviate allodynia for two to eight hours after application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural mobilization can be performed in a way that facilitates movement through a stretching technique (tensioning) or in a way that maximizes the gliding of peripheral nerves in relation to adjacent structures (gliding). Evidence on how these techniques compare in terms of effects are scarce. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of neural gliding and neural tensioning targeting the median nerve on heat and cold temperature threshold, heat pain threshold, pressure pain thresholds and hand grip strength in asymptomatic participants. Participants received 4 series of 10 repetitions of either neural gliding (n = 30) or neural tensioning (n = 30) and were assessed for heat and cold temperature threshold, heat pain threshold, pressure pain threshold, and hand grip strength at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 30 min post-intervention. A significant main interaction between time and intervention was found for the PPT at the forearm (F(2,55) = 5.98; p = 0.004), favouring the tensioning neural mobilization. No significant differences were found for the other variables. Four series of 10 repetitions of neural tensioning targeting the median nerve in asymptomatic subjects seem to be enough to induce hypoalgesia and have no negative effects on A-delta and C mediated sensory function and on hand grip strength production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pain Research / Ból is the property of Index Copernicus International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Unilateral brachial plexus injury (BPI) impairs sensory and motor functions of the upper limb. This study aimed to map in detail brachial plexus sensory impairment both in the injured and the uninjured upper limb. Touch sensation was measured through Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments at the autonomous regions of the brachial plexus nerves, hereafter called points of exclusive innervation (PEIs). Seventeen BPI patients (31.35 years±6.9 SD) and 14 age-matched healthy controls (27.57 years±5.8 SD) were tested bilaterally at six selected PEIs (axillary, musculocutaneous, median, radial, ulnar, and medial antebrachial cutaneous [MABC]). As expected, the comparison between the control group and the brachial plexus patients' injured limb showed a robust difference for all PEIs (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, the comparison between the control group and the brachial plexus uninjured limb revealed a difference for the median (p = 0.0074), radial (p = 0.0185), ulnar (p = 0.0404), and MABC (p = 0.0328) PEIs. After splitting the sample into two groups with respect to the dominance of the injured limb, higher threshold values were found for the uninjured side when it occurred in the right dominant limb compared to the control group at the median (p = 0.0456), radial (p = 0.0096), and MABC (p = 0.0078) PEIs. This effect was absent for the left, non-dominant arm. To assess the effect of the severity of sensory deficits observed in the injured limb upon the alterations of the uninjured limb, a K-means clustering algorithm (k = 2) was applied resulting in two groups with less or more severe sensory impairment. The less severely affected patients presented higher thresholds at the median (p = 0.0189), radial (p = 0.0081), ulnar (p = 0.0253), and MABC (p = 0.0187) PEIs in the uninjured limb in comparison with the control group, whereas higher thresholds at the uninjured limb were found only for the median PEI (p = 0.0457) in the more severely affected group. In conclusion, an expressive reduction in touch threshold was found for the injured limb allowing a precise mapping of the impairment caused by the BPI. Crucially, BPI also led to reduced tactile threshold in specific PEIs in the uninjured upper limb. These new findings suggest a superordinate model of representational plasticity occurring bilaterally in the brain after a unilateral peripheral injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Functional abdominal pain (AP) is a prevalent issue in childhood and adolescence. The contribution of psychosocial factors in the development and maintenance of this health problem is rather unclear, and experimental studies about underlying mechanisms are lacking. This study investigates whether experimentally induced social exclusion decreases sensory and pain thresholds in children suffering from AP. Subjects Twenty children/adolescents with AP and 22 healthy controls. Methods Children/adolescents participated in the Cyberball paradigm, which affects an experience of social exclusion. Thermal sensory and pain thresholds were measured before and after Cyberball. Results Children/adolescents with AP showed a divergent reaction regarding their sensory threshold after social exclusion: The control group exhibited a tendency toward a decreased sensory threshold whereas the AP group remained stable. Concerning the pain threshold, no effect of social exclusion could be identified. The increase of both thresholds ("numbing") after Cyberball was positively correlated with symptoms of mental health issues. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate changes in sensory and pain thresholds following painful social interactions in a sample of children/adolescents with a chronic pain condition. Results suggest that AP and control children differ in their reaction of sensory thresholds, which might indicate an altered processing of social exclusion. Replication and further methodological improvements are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although vitamin B-12 (B-12) is known to contribute to the structural and functional development of the brain, it is unclear if B-12 supplementation has any beneficial effect in healthy populations in terms of enhanced neurologic status of the brain or improved cognitive function.Objectives: We investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of B-12 on the cortical neural activity of well-nourished young adult rats and tested the hypothesis that B-12 supplementation in healthy rats may reduce sensory-evoked neural activity due to enhanced inhibition.Methods: Female Lister Hooded rats weighing 190-265 g (2-4 mo old) were included in the study. The experimental group was fed with B-12 (cyanocobalamin)-enriched water at a concentration of 1 mg/L, and the control (CON) group with tap water for 3 wk. Animals were then anesthetized and cortical neural responses to whisker stimulation were recorded in vivo through the use of a multichannel microelectrode, from which local field potentials (LFPs) were extracted.Results: Somatosensory-evoked LFP was 25% larger in the B-12 group (4.13 ± 0.24 mV) than in the CON group (3.30 ± 0.21 mV) (P = 0.02). Spontaneous neural activity did not differ between groups; frequency spectra at each frequency bin of interest did not pass the cluster-forming threshold at the 5% significance level.Conclusions: These findings do not provide evidence supporting the hypothesis of decreased neural activity due to B-12 supplementation. As the spontaneous neural activity was unaffected, the increase in somatosensory-evoked LFP may be due to enhanced afferent signal reaching the barrel cortex from the whisker pad, indicating that B-12-supplemented rats may have enhanced sensitivity to sensory stimulation compared with the CON group. We suggest that this enhancement might be the result of lowered sensory threshold, although the underlying mechanism has yet to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]