Nursing Technology in Vibration Perception Threshold Testing in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients

Abstract

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is one factor which can lead the diabetes mellitus patient to foot ulceration. Early detection is indispensable part to prevent diabetes mellitus patient from foot disorders. vibration perception threshold (VPT) measures can be used to easily and accurately identify presence of DPN. This study was to test the reliability and to evaluate the accuracy of a new vibrometer for detection DPN. A new device (Neovibrometer) was compared with 10g monofilament and tested on a group of DPN and a group of healthy as matched control subjects. Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT) was tested on the plantar surface of the feet. The Neo-vibrometer shows an actual measurement in all test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.94 (P<0.05). The 10g monofilament could also be measured with excellent reliability but only within a limited range of mild to moderate neuropathy, so it appears to be an appropriate screening tool. The measurement-to-measurement intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93. The new device is accurate and could measure of VPT. It could document loss of sensation in diabetic neuropathy even in the presence of a normal result when it tested by 10g monofilament test. The Neo-vibrometer can be earlier detected of diabetic neuropathy and should be used as the recommended technique in diabetic foot ulcer prevention. Keywords—Nursing Technology, Threshold Testing, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy