Vibration perception threshold (VPT) is an important method of quantitative sensory test (QST). It provides a fast, economic and accurate method for early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in clinical practice, and can early detect high-risk population with serious complications.

VPT is the minimum volt value of the corresponding vibration stimulation when the vibration stimulation can be clearly perceived by the patient. It is an important QST method to evaluate the conduction information of proprioceptive pathway caused by skin vibration stimulation. Like tactile and thermosensory, vibration sensation reflects specific neuroanatomical pathways based on discrete distribution of nerve fibers. Its nerve selectivity is reflected in the Aα and Aβ fibers of the medullated tip.

VPT is related to age, detection site, environment and other factors. Generally, the threshold value of young people and children is lower than that of old people. Similarly, many pathological and pharmaceutical environments will also produce sensory threshold abnormalities. When neuropathy develops to the later stage, large and small nerve fibers will be damaged, and the results of VPT will increase with the growth of age and course of disease. Clinicians can set reference values according to the scope of application, and provide accurate and objective results for the clinic in a short time.

Clinical application of VPT:

 Diabetic peripheral neuropathy examination, diabetic foot risk screening
 male disfuction (premature ejaculation) – penile sensitive nerve examination.
 Neurosensory examination in neurology and surgery.
 To evaluate the effect of neurotherapy
 Evaluate the acute and chronic poisoning events
 Pharmacology and drug research projects.

VPT diabetic foot risk assessment criteria:

Examination: at the front of big toe.

0-15V low risk, 15-25V medium risk, above 25V, high risk