​Light Touch Assessment

1. ​Instruct the patient on the test and how you would like them to respond

2. ​Determine the area of skin you will assess; position the patient appropriately

3. ​Test affected and unaffected side if warranted at the same time: (unilateral peripheral nerve dysfunction)

   Ask the patient to close their eyes

4. Ask the patient to tell you if touch is felt​

5. ​Gently touch the skin; don't dent; don't stabilize limb

6. ​Don't stroke

7. ​Continue to test at random intervals until boundaries of normal and abnormal have been located

8. ​Attempt 3 trials in one area before moving to the next largest monofilament

Proctective Sensation​

​Protective Reaction Assessment

• ​Instruct the patient on what you are doing and the verbal responses you would like them to give

• ​You can do a pre-test on a non-involved area

• ​Position the patient in supine or reclined position

• ​Remove shoes and socks and clean the plantar surface

• ​Test in the 9 specified areas

• ​Ask the patient to indicate yes or no each time the monofilament is felt

• ​Touch each area with monofilament at 90 degree angle until the monofilament bends slightly

• ​Maintain pressure for 1.5 seconds

• ​Test both feet