Distal Vibration Perception Threshold in Children Who Toe Walk

To compare distal vibratory perception threshold and sensation in children who toe walked (TW) and controls. Vibration perception threshold was measured at the metacarpal and metatarsal phalangeal (MCP and MTP) joints in 11 TW and 15 age-matched controls. Mean vibratory threshold (MVT) was calculated for each site; a Pearson correlation coefficient was determined for MVT at MCP and MTP joints. Groups were compared using a Mann-Whitney U test. Parent/caregiver responses on the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) were compared using a χ test. MVTs at the MCP and MTP joints were highly correlated in both groups. MVT was higher in TW compared with controls at each site. Children who TW were more likely to have a total SSP score in the "probable difference" or "definite difference" categories compared with the "no difference" category. Sensation should not be overlooked in the evaluation and clinical management of toe walking.