title: The effect of interstimulus interval on somatosensory point localization.
abstract: Somatosensory point localization is a clinical test evaluating spatial accuracy of the somatosensory system. Possible effects of the interstimulus interval (ISI) on point localization threshold have not been previously examined. In the present set of experiments the effect of time delay on somatosensory point localization was studied using ISIs of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 s, and applying a newly developed computer-controlled application method of a Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. It was found that the point localization threshold was not significantly affected by the ISI length. However, the response time was shorter and response accuracy better at the shorter (1 and 3 s) than at the longer (5, 7, and 9 s) ISIs, suggesting a change in the mechanism underlying point localization decision criteria in ISIs longer than 3 s.
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Unit, Institute of Biomedicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ylioja
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pertovaara
authors.forename: Juha
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koivisto
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Korvenoja
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Artchakov
authors.forename: Synnöve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carlson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology*