Labial vibrotactile somatosensory perception: a pilot study in healthy aging versus young adult participants.

TitleLabial vibrotactile somatosensory perception: a pilot study in healthy aging versus young adult participants.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsEtter NM, Van Meter EM, Andreatta RD
JournalPercept Mot Skills
Volume118
Issue2
Pagination622-35
Date Published2014 Apr
ISSN0031-5125
KeywordsAged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Cohort Studies, Female, Humans, Lip, Male, Pilot Projects, Sensory Thresholds, Touch Perception, Vibration, Young Adult
Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to begin characterizing changes in labial vibrotactile somatosensation in healthy older adults as a foundational step in determining how changes in orofacial sensation can affect functional behaviors, such as speech and feeding. Labial vibrotactile perception capacity of healthy older adults (n = 15) was compared to a cohort of healthy young adults (n = 5). Vibrotactile inputs were delivered to the glabrous surface of the left lower lip at 5, 10, 50, and 150 Hz. A modified von Bekesy (staircase) method was used to identify participants' thresholds and response standard deviations for each test frequency. Consistent with findings in other body regions, a decrease in labial vibrotactile detection sensitivity was expected in healthy older adults. The threshold values for the 5 and 10 Hz test frequencies were higher in the older group and the differences in response standard deviations at these frequencies were statistically significant. This pilot study identified changes in labial perception among healthy older adults.

DOI10.2466/10.24.PMS.118k23w6
Alternate JournalPercept Mot Skills
PubMed ID24897891
Grant ListUL1RR033173 / RR / NCRR NIH HHS / United States