SKIN ROLL (PINCH AND ROLL) TEST - SKINFOLD THICKNESS AND TENDERNESS

Skinfold thickness end tenderness are variables that have been used in the diagnosis of headaches of cervical origin. In order to assess the se variables in actual patients, the normal limits have to be properly known. Skinfold thickness and tenderness during the ''skin roll'' ('' pinch and roll'') test were, therefore, investigated simultaneously in a group of 95 healthy individuals. Three positions (trapezius, mandib ular. and supraorbital areas) were used. The following values for skin fold thickness in healthy individuals during the skin roll test were o btained: trapezius position 5 to 26 mm (mean 11.2 mm, SD 3.9), mandibu lar 3 to 12 mm (mean 6.5 mm, SD 1.8), end supraorbital 3 to 9 mm (mean 4.6 mm, SD 0.8). Strong positive correlation was found between subjec t height and skinfold thickness in the mandibular position. Skinfold t hickness in the mandibular (P=0.003), as well as in the trapezius posi tion (P=0.023) correlated positively with age. In 13 individuals (13.7 %), tenderness to a varying extant was found in the shoulders (trapezi us position). No pain was recorded in the other positions.No correlati on was found between skinfold thickness and tenderness (P=0.66).