Reliability of two-point discrimination thresholds using a 4-2-1 stepping algorithm.
A 4-2-1 stepping algorithm reliably captures light touch thresholds but has not been used to assess two-point discrimination (TPD) thresholds. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a 4-2-1 stepping algorithm at determining TPD thresholds.



Fifteen healthy, physically active young adults were assessed twice over a 1-week period using digital calipers and a 4-2-1 stepping algorithm. TPD thresholds were assessed by an expert and a novice examiner at each time point. Reliability was assessed on the plantar surface of the foot at the head of the first and base of the fifth metatarsal.



Three intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values exceeded 0.75 and were interpreted as good. The inter-rater reliability was good with ICC values ranging from 0.76 to 0.93 at both sites during both test sessions.



The 4-2-1 stepping algorithm demonstrates good intra- and inter-tester reliability at determining TPD thresholds on the plantar surface of the foot at the head of the first and base of the fifth metatarsal in young healthy adults.
a Department of Exercise & Sport Science , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , NC , USA.
Erik A
EA
Wikstrom
a Department of Exercise & Sport Science , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , NC , USA.
Gary
G
Allen
D000465:Algorithms; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology*; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Somatosensory function; plantar surface; young adults