The Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test has been shown to be a useful addition to the armamentarium of the health-care providers with peripheral nerve involvement. Peripheral nerve involvement can arise from many reasons, including metabolic (e. g., Diabetes) and trauma (e. g., accidents or repetitive motion syndromes). Nevertheless, specific problems with the Semmes- Weinstein monofilament test have been identified and are of concern. Among the concerns are poor ability to hold calibration, inadequate norms, poor portability, slippage from site of stimulation, and fragility of the monofilaments. We have identified additional problems with the consistency of the applied stimulus. This effort is concerned with the creation of an enhanced pressure esthesiometer that corrects all the aforementioned problems. That is, the new device is being engineered to hold calibration, to have correct relevant norms, to be portable, to be much less fragile, to slip less, and additionally, to sell at a comparable price. The new monofilament has been already invented; the Phase I effort is concerned with reliability and validity. Phase II will supply norms. For Phase II I, the device will be licensed to manufacturers and distributors, some of which already have displayed interest.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research: Despite its recognized limitations, the original Semmes-Weinstein monofilament esthesiometer is a commercial success. The instrument will merely replace the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament esthesiometer. Breakage rates of the Semmes-Weinstein insure this instrument's commercial success.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
