An improved automated method for the measurement of thermal thresholds. 1. Normal subjects

Abstract

Clinical tests of thermal sensation are poorly quantified and not strictly modality specific. Previous automated thermal testing systems have had limited usefulness with high intra- and inter-individual variability. This paper describes an automated thermal system (Glasgow system) which is an extensive modification of previous techniques to answer these criticisms. It comprises a microprocessor-driven Peltier element and utilises the forced choice method of psychophysical analysis to determine the thresholds to thermal stimulation. In a control group of 106 healthy subjects the mean heat threshold for the wrist was found to be 0.23°C (SD = 0.06°C) and the mean cold threshold 0.15°C (SD = 0.05° C). Repeated determinations showed a maximum of 5% intra-individual variation in comparison to previously reported values of up to 150%.