TWO-POINT DISCRIMINATION ON THE PALMAR SURFACE OF HANDS IN MBBS STUDENTS: INFLUENCE OF BMI, GENDER AND AVERAGE VALUES

Abstract

Aim: In our study, we attempted to measure the average two-point discrimination values on the pulp of all distal phalanges and the mid-palmar surface of the hands of Healthy MBBS Students and its inuence on BMI and Gender. Study Population & Methodology: We conducted this experiment using a two-point esthesiometer on 100 healthy 1st MBBS students (Females 52, Males 48) aged between 18-20 years from Guntur Medical College, Andhra Pradesh. Based on the BMI we classied subjects under ve categories as per WHO ASIAN-BMI SCALE. Results: Average two-point threshold value in females for right and left rst distal phalanx 3mm, 2.76mm, for second distal phalanx 1.92mm, 2.38mm, for third distal phalanx 2.69mm, 2.26mm fourth distal phalanx 2.84mm, 2.38mm, fth distal phalanx 3.30mm, 2.84mm, mid palmar surface 6mm, 6.76mm respectively. From our study, the two-point threshold is more for the mid-palmar surface. Two-point discrimination has a positive correlation between the right and left palmar surface of the hand but the relationship between variables is weak in the distal phalanges and moderate in the mid-palmar surface. As per BMI, the Two-point discrimination threshold has a positive correlation in the left rst distal phalanx, right and left fourth distal phalanges, right fth distal phalanx and right mid palmar surface. We see an association between gender and the two-point discrimination threshold in the right and left rst distal phalanx and the remaining areas don't have any association.