Correlation of Sensory perception at different body parts with BMI using Two Point Discrimination

PurposeTwo-point discrimination (2PD) is the ability to discern that two nearby objects touching the skin are truly two distinct points, not one. It is often tested with two sharp points during a neurological examination and is assumed to reflect how finely innervated an area of skin is. objective was to find out the normal value of Two Point Discrimination on the Back, Finger, Forehead & Sole and to Correlate values of Two Point Discrimination on Back, Finger, Forehead & Sole with corresponding BMI according to Gender. MethodsTwo point discrimination test is a part of practical course of Physiology Department of the teaching institute. Here, the students perform the practical under strict supervision of professors, the data of the students practical is recorded for departments personal use. This data was collected with the permission from the head of the department and then analyzed to see the normal values of two-point discrimination and also to assess the correlation between Gender, BMI, & Two-point Discrimination(TPD). Pearson Correlation, T-test, SEM, CI95, Scatter diagrams were used to analyze and understand the data. ResultsValues of Two-Point-Discrimination(TPD) Average(in mm), SD, and Pearson Correlation(with BMI) at Back (Males=32.19 {+/-} 4.94,r=0.808 & Females=29.38 {+/-}5.29,r=0.848), Fingertips (Males=3.43 {+/-} 1.52,r=0.0344 & Females=3.47 {+/-} 1.52,r=0.0141), Forehead (Males=13.53 {+/-} 2.36,r=0.0223 & Females=12.25 {+/-} 2.61,r=0.198), Sole (Males=14.69 {+/-} 3.54,r=0.00493 & Females=13.87 {+/-} 3.36, r=0.0234) ConclusionThe results depict the normal values of Two-point discrimination at the respective location. The normal values at a particular location in Males and Females are almost the same Strong Correlation of TPD value at Back with BMI can be justified as fat Accumulation increases in Skin with increasing BMI. Fat mainly accumulates on the abdomen, thighs, and back and neck but not on Forehead, Fingertips & soles. Fat accumulation hypothetically leads to increase skin surface leading to virtually variable per area relative decreased skin innervation resulting in higher TPD values and Strong Positive Correlation. TPD values at Forehead, Fingertips & soles do not correlate with BMI.