Waveform variation and size of sympathetic skin response: regional difference between the sole and palm recordings.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the regional difference in sympathetic skin response (SSR). The influence of SSR waveform from sole skin (S-SSR) on latency, amplitude, and habituation was also studied.


METHODS
Twenty SSRs were analyzed in 41 normal subjects. Waveforms were classified as either the P type, in which the positive component was larger than the negative one, or the N type, in which the negative component was larger the positive one. The occurrence patterns of these two waveform types were classified into three kinds, i.e. P, N, and M patterns. In the P or N pattern all the SSRs were of the P or N type. The M pattern had both P and N types during consecutive recordings.


RESULTS
In the S-SSR, the P pattern had a higher amplitude and shorter latency than the N pattern, and habituation was most pronounced in the M pattern. These were compatible with previously reported findings in SSR from palm (P-SSR). The waveform patterns were not always consistent between P- and S-SSRs. The maximum S-SSR and P-SSR were not simultaneously obtained in nearly half of the subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The size and waveforms of SSR were modified not only by the condition of the central component, but also the peripheral component of the reflex and the sweat gland.
Toyokura
M
M
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tokal University Oiso Hospital, Nakagun, Kanagawa, Japan.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response / Q000502:physiology*; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic / Q000502:physiology; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology