NORMAL REFERENCE RANGE OF GRAPHESTHESIA AMONG HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS

TOPIC-NORMAL REFERENCE RANGE OF GRAPHESTHESIA AMONG HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS
BACKGROUND - Graphesthesia, the ability to recognize figures traced on the skin by touch, is a key tool in neurological assessment. It helps evaluate the integrity of cortical and sensory pathways. Despite its clinical value, normative reference data—especially for young adults—are limited. Establishing these values is essential for identifying sensory deficits and supporting early diagnosis of neurological conditions.

INTRODUCTION- Graphesthesia, the ability to recognize letters or numbers written on the skin through tactile sensation, is a critical somatosensory skill used in neurological assessments. Despite its clinical relevance, limited data exists on normative reference values for graphesthesia among healthy young adults. Establishing these reference values is essential for distinguishing normal sensory processing from pathological conditions and aiding in the early detection of neurological impairments.

AIM - The aim of this study was to determine the normative reference values for graphesthesia among healthy young adults aged 15–24 years. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, recruiting participants from local colleges and universities. Participants with no history of neurological or dermatological disorders were included. The assessment involved writing standardized shape and numbers on the participants' palms using a blunt stylus. Response time in seconds was recorded.
MATERIALS AND METHODS -The participants using a blunt wooden pencil,numbers and shapes were traced on the forearm ,dorsal aspect of forearm and palm and then were asked to identify them and give a verbal response. Time taken for each response was recorded in seconds.

RESULTS-A total of 340 participants were included, comprising 129 males and 211 females, with a median age of 20 years (IQR: 3). The median BMI was 21.60 kg/m² (IQR: 4.50), reflecting a population within the normal weight range. The study provides normative reference values for graphesthesia, which can serve as a clinical benchmark for evaluating sensory deficits in neurological assessments. These findings can aid clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injuries, or cortical dysfunctions. Future research should focus on extending the age range and including diverse populations to generalize these values further.

CONCLUSION - This study establishes normative reference values for graphesthesia in healthy young adults aged 15–24 years, providing a useful benchmark for clinical assessments of somatosensory function. These values can aid in the early detection and monitoring of neurological impairments. Further studies involving broader age groups and diverse populations are recommended to enhance generalization.

KEYWORDS - Graphesthesia, normative reference values, tactile sensation, somatosensory assessment, neurological evaluation, young adults.