The reliability of the MoTaStim-Foot trial algorithm for testing touch pressure sensory threshold on the plantar surface of the foot using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments

Harding, O; Rousan, A; Aries, A; Hunter, S

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately 60% of stroke survivors experience sensory impairment, which may have an impact on functional activity. The MoTaStim-Foot trial investigated the feasibility of delivering somatosensory interventions to the foot to regain balance and walking post-stroke. Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments (SWMs) were used to assess sensation of the plantar surface of the foot. A new protocol for SWMs testing was designed, with the intention of increasing reliability of the results by limiting potential testing fatigue. This study aimed to explore the reliability of the SWM testing algorithm developed for the MoTaStim-Foot trial.
Method: Reliability study with measures repeated either by 2 different raters on the same day (inter-rater reliability), or by the same rater exactly 2 weeks apart, at the same time of day, under standardised conditions. Population and sample: convenience sample of healthy young adults (18 to 30 years old) recruited from a student population.
Following training of the raters, 4 sites on the plantar aspect of the foot were tested (heel, pad of the hallux, under the1st and 5th metatarsal-phalangeal joints), using the same set of filaments. Reliability was explored between and within raters using weighted kappa (Kw).
Results: 29 participants were recruited; 2 did not attend follow-up assessment. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability across the 4 sites ranged from 0.17–0.36 (poor to fair) and 0.17–0.56 (poor to moderate), respectively.
Conclusion: Inter and intra-rater reliability for the SWMs using the trial algorithm requires further investigation with a larger sample, with training and testing procedures further standardised to enhance reliability.

Citation

Harding, O., Rousan, A., Aries, A., & Hunter, S. (2019). The reliability of the MoTaStim-Foot trial algorithm for testing touch pressure sensory threshold on the plantar surface of the foot using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments.

• Conference Name: UK Stroke forum 2019
• Conference Location: Telford, United Kingdom
• Start Date: Dec 3, 2019
• End Date: Dec 5, 2019
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Deposit Date: Jun 6, 2023
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Volume: 14 (S4)
• Pages: 45-46
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1747493019882907