Comparison of tactile sensitivity in a group of elderly and young adults and children using a new instrument called a 'Tangoceptometer'

R Giuseppe; D S Santo; F Donato; M Mariano; M Luciano

doi:10.1016/0167-4943(94)90014-0

Comparison of tactile sensitivity in a group of elderly and young adults and children using a new instrument called a 'Tangoceptometer'

Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1994 May-Jun;18(3):207-14. doi: 10.1016/0167-4943(94)90014-0.

Authors

R Giuseppe¹, D S Santo, F Donato, M Mariano, M Luciano

Affiliation

¹ Istituto di Medicina Interna E Geriatria, Universita' di Catania, Ospendale Cannizzaro, USL 36, Via Messina, 829-95126 Cantania, Italy.

PMID: 15374300
DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(94)90014-0

Abstract

We designed and made a device called a 'Tangoceptometer' which quantifies the minimum tactile perception threshold in geriatric patients and which may be used to study and diagnose diabetic neuropathy. This instrument was used to study tactile sensitivity in a group of elderly and young adults and children. Comparison of the data showed a progressive, statistically significant reduction (P<0.001) of tactile sensitivity with age.