Sensibility Testing Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Purpose of Sensibility Testing: Detect environmental stimuli, differentiate types and intensities of stimuli, interpret sensations.
• Stereognosis: Recognizing objects without visual cues.
• Assessment Tools: Various tools used for different purposes.

Types of Receptors

• Mechanoreceptors: Detect mechanical changes.
• Chemoreceptors: Detect chemical stimuli.
• Thermoreceptors: Detect temperature changes.
• Other receptors: Determine safety and harmfulness of stimuli.

Receptive Fields and Sensory Units

• Receptive Field: Area of skin served by a single sensory input.
  • Center of the field has a low threshold, easy to sense input.
  • Dense areas = highly sensitive, larger representation area in the cortex.
• Brain Injury Impact: Affects different types of sensation: light touch, proprioception, temperature, pain.
  • Discriminatory Sensation: Light touch, proprioception.
  • Protective Sensation: Temperature, pain.

Clinical Practice Insights

• Evaluation Process: If touch and proprioception are intact, temperature and pain are likely okay.
• Impaired Protective Sensation: Indicates likely damage to discriminatory sensation.

Sensibility Testing Procedures

Preparation

• Client Diagnosis: Understand client's condition and history.
• Testing Environment: Quiet room, comfortable room temperature, relaxed client.
• Direction Clarity: Ensure client understands the directions.

Testing Process

1. Body Part Security: Identify the area to be tested (not immobilized).
2. Vision On and Off Testing: Perform tests with and without vision (vision occluded, not blindfolded).
3. Consistent Stimulation: Apply consistent stimulation, random intervals to avoid guessing.
4. Central Application: Apply stimulation to the center of the zone (e.g., finger segments).
5. Documentation: Note any skin abnormalities, non-verbal cues, and the protocol used.
6. Standardization: Use valid, reliable, and evidence-based instruments for consistent results.

Importance of Documentation and Standardization

• Consistency: Same therapist should ideally perform tests; if not, document protocols clearly.
• Evidence-Based Tools: Use tools with proven validity and reliability, reference norms for results.

Conclusion

• Key Takeaways: Proper preparation, consistent methods, meticulous documentation, and evidence-based tools are critical for effective sensibility testing.