A model to assess age-related changes in two-point discrimination of plantar skin

A device was constructed to assess two-point discrimination in the plantar skin of younger, middle-aged, and older adults. The device consisted of pai red filaments, each delivering a tip force of 4.56 log units (equivalent to 3.63 g), at a fixed distance apart. Statistical analysis showed significan t differences in two-point discrimination accuracy between these groups of subjects. Younger subjects showed greater accuracy of plantar two-point dis crimination than either middle-aged or older subjects, with an apparent inv erse linear relationship between subject age and plantar two-point discrimi nation ability. A model to assess age-related changes in two-point discrimi nation is presented.