Temperature Effect on Current Perception Threshold in Normal Adults

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2002;4(1):24-30.
Published online May 10, 2002.

Abstract

Objective : This study was purposed to evaluate the effect of temperature on current perception thresholds (CPT) in normal adults. The CPT evaluation is one of quantitative sensory test which provides a reproducible functional assessment of the peripheral sensory nervous system. CPT is defined as minimum amount of a transcutaneously applied current that a person can perceive. Methods : We measured CPTs at 33 healthy volunteers using Neurometer? CPT/C. We measured CPTs at the distal interphalangeal joint of second fingers of each hand with transcutaneous constant current sine wave stimulation at 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2000 Hz frequency. We measured CPTs at room temperature (33~35℃) and warm temperature (36~38℃) at the right hand, and at room temperature and cold temperature (23~27℃ and 17~22℃) at the left hand. We compared the CPT values and CPT ratio of each frequency. Results : At warm temperature, there was no significant difference of CPTs at all three frequencies. At cold temperature, 250 Hz CPT was significantly increased compared to room temperature. However, 2000 Hz and 5 Hz CPTs did not differ from room temperature. Conclusion : These findings suggest that 2000 Hz and 5 Hz CPTs are not affected by temperature, but 250 Hz CPT is affected by decreased temperature in normal adults.

Key Words: Quantitative sensory test, Current perception threshold, Skin temperature