Device for measuring skin sensory threshold, and method for measuring skin sensory threshold

Abstract

By minimizing the influence of sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit, the subject's skin sensory threshold can be measured more objectively and accurately. [Solution] The skin sensation threshold measuring device according to the present invention comprises a mounting platform 11 on which the hands and feet of a subject are placed, a probe 8 that contacts and stimulates the skin of the hands and feet of the subject placed on the mounting platform 11, a probe drive unit 6 that drives the probe 8, a movement amount detection unit 2 that detects the amount of movement of the probe 8, and a vibrator 32 that applies vibration stimulation to the subject.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring a skin sensory threshold, and a method for measuring a skin sensory threshold using the measuring device.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding this type of measuring device, the applicant has proposed a measuring device (Patent Document 1) for measuring the sensory threshold of the sole of the foot, and then proposed a measuring device (Patent Document 2) for measuring the skin sensory threshold of the fingertip. The measuring device described in Patent Document 1 includes a footrest for supporting the sole of the foot of a seated or standing subject, a probe for applying a moving stimulus to the sole of the foot through a contact window provided on the footrest, a probe drive unit for moving the probe, an input switch operated by the subject who recognizes the sole of the foot stimulus, and a drive control unit for controlling the drive state of the probe drive unit. According to this measuring device, after placing the sole of the foot on the contact window opened at a predetermined position of the footrest, the probe is moved by the probe drive unit, and the sensory threshold can be measured by operating the input switch when the subject feels the moving stimulus on the sole of the foot.

[0003] The measuring device described in Patent Document 2 includes, inside the lower case, a probe that contacts the skin of the fingertip to give a stimulus, a probe drive unit that drives the probe, a drive control unit that controls the drive state of the probe drive unit, and a movement amount detection unit that detects the movement amount of the probe moved by the probe drive unit. A contact window is provided in the lower case, and through this contact window, the probe gives a stimulus to the fingertip. The probe drive unit has a vibration applying function for applying ultrasonic vibration to the probe and a movement function for moving the probe. According to this measuring device, in a state where the probe is in contact with the skin of the fingertip, the probe is driven by a control signal from the drive control unit to apply a moving stimulus accompanied by ultrasonic vibration stimulus to the fingertip, and the movement amount of the probe when the subject shows a reaction is detected by the movement amount detection unit, whereby the skin sensory threshold of the subject's fingertip can be measured.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-223365 [Patent Document 2] Re-tabled publication 2018 / 134996 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the skin sensation threshold measuring devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, subjects may perceive sounds or vibrations emitted by the probe drive unit, such as a stepper motor, and mistakenly perceive these sounds or vibrations as the probe moving, leading to a reaction. In other words, subjects may hear slight sounds or feel slight vibrations emitted by the probe drive unit, and mistakenly perceive that the probe has moved, even though the probe in contact with their limbs is not actually moving at all, or they do not perceive any movement through skin sensation (touch). When subjects mistakenly perceive sounds or vibrations emitted by the probe drive unit as the probe moving, it becomes impossible to accurately measure the skin sensation threshold.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a skin sensation threshold measuring device and a skin sensation threshold measuring method that can measure the skin sensation threshold of a subject more objectively and accurately by reducing the influence of sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a device for measuring the skin sensory threshold of a subject's limbs by detecting the amount of movement of the probe 8 when the subject shows a reaction, comprising a mounting platform 11 on which a subject's limbs are placed, a probe 8 that contacts the skin of the subject's limbs placed on the mounting platform 11 to provide movement stimulation, a probe drive unit 6 that drives the probe 8, and a movement detection unit 2 that detects the amount of movement of the probe 8. The device is further characterized by comprising a vibrator 32 that provides vibration stimulation to the subject.

[0008] The vibrator 32 applies vibration to the mounting platform 11, and is configured so that vibration is applied to the subject as the mounting platform 11 vibrates.

[0009] The vibrator 32 applies vibration to the backrest 41 of the chair 40 on which the subject sits, and is configured so that the subject receives vibration stimulation as the backrest 41 vibrates.

[0010] The vibrator 32 is configured to apply vibration to the subject prior to the driving of the probe drive unit 6, and to continuously apply vibration stimulation of a constant frequency to the subject during the measurement period.

[0011] The present invention provides a method for measuring the skin sensory threshold of a subject's limbs by using a measuring device comprising a mounting platform 11 on which a portion of the subject's limbs is placed, a probe 8 that contacts the skin of the subject's limbs placed on the mounting platform 11 to provide movement stimulation, a probe drive unit 6 that drives the probe 8, and a movement detection unit 2 that detects the amount of movement of the probe 8, and detecting the amount of movement of the probe 8 when the subject shows a reaction. The measuring device is equipped with a vibrator 32 that provides vibration stimulation to the subject, and is characterized in that it provides movement stimulation to the skin of the subject's limbs by moving the probe 8 while providing vibration stimulation to the subject with the vibrator 32.

[0012] The vibrator 32 applies vibration to the mounting platform 11, causing the platform 11 to vibrate and provide vibrational stimulation to the subject, while simultaneously moving the probe 8 to provide kinetic stimulation to the skin of the subject's hands and feet.

[0013] The vibrator 32 applies vibration to the backrest 41 of the chair 40 on which the subject sits. As the backrest 41 vibrates, it provides vibration stimulation to the subject, while simultaneously moving the probe 8 to provide kinetic stimulation to the skin of the subject's hands and feet.

[0014] The vibrator 32 is configured to apply vibrational stimulation to the subject prior to the driving of the probe drive unit 6, and to continuously apply vibrational stimulation of a constant frequency to the subject during the measurement period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As in the present invention, by providing a vibrator 32, the sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 can be canceled out by the sound and vibration emitted by the vibrator 32, thus reducing the influence of the sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 when measuring the skin sensation threshold. More specifically, as in the present invention, by providing a vibrator 32 and applying vibration stimulation to the subject, it is possible to suppress the subject from hearing a slight sound or feeling a slight vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 and mistakenly perceiving that the probe 8 has moved, even though the probe 8 that is in contact with the limbs, etc., is not actually moving, or the subject does not perceive that the probe 8 is moving through skin sensation (touch). Therefore, according to the present invention, the influence of the sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 can be reduced, making it possible to measure the subject's skin sensation threshold more objectively and accurately.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the inventors' findings, applying vibration to a subject can improve the subject's tactile perception sensitivity. When tactile perception sensitivity is improved in this way, the subject can more accurately and reliably perceive the movement of the probe 8 through the skin sensation (tactile sensation) of the skin in contact with the probe 8, and respond accordingly. Therefore, in this respect as well, it becomes possible to measure the subject's skin sensation threshold more objectively and accurately.

[0017] There are no particular restrictions on the body parts of the subject to which vibration stimulation is applied, as long as they are not the contact points of the probe 8 (the parts of the hands and feet to which the probe 8 makes contact and provides movement stimulation). In this invention, the vibrator 32 applies vibration to the mounting platform 11 on which the subject's hands and feet are placed, and the vibration of the mounting platform 11 is used to apply vibration stimulation to the subject. Alternatively, the vibrator 32 may apply vibration to the backrest 41 of the chair 40 on which the subject sits, and the vibration of the backrest 41 is used to apply vibration stimulation to the subject. In this way, configurations in which vibration is applied to the mounting platform 11 to provide vibration stimulation to the subject, or to the backrest 41 of the chair 40 to provide vibration stimulation to the subject, can improve the tactile sensitivity of the subject's skin, so that the subject can perceive the movement of the probe 8 more accurately and reliably and respond accordingly.

[0018] If the vibrator 32 is configured to begin applying vibrational stimulation to the subject prior to the driving of the probe drive unit 6, the driving of the probe drive unit 6 can be started while the subject is receiving vibrational stimulation from the vibrator 32. In this case, prior to the driving of the probe drive unit 6, the subject can reliably perceive only the vibrational stimulation from the vibrator 32, and even when the probe 8 is moved afterward, the subject can clearly distinguish and recognize the sensation caused by the vibrational stimulation from the vibrator 32 from the sensation caused by the movement of the probe 8. As a result, the subject can reliably perceive and react to the movement of the probe 8 through skin sensation (touch) while receiving vibrational stimulation from the vibrator 32, and the subject's skin sensation threshold can be measured more objectively and accurately.

[0019] If the frequency of the vibration stimulus fluctuates during the measurement period, the subject may mistakenly perceive a sensation caused by the frequency fluctuation as a sensation caused by the movement of the probe 8. Similarly, if the vibration stimulus is emitted intermittently during the measurement period, the subject may mistakenly perceive a sensation caused by the cessation and re-oscillation of vibration as a sensation caused by the movement of the probe 8. In contrast, as in the present invention, if the vibrator 32 is configured to continuously apply a vibration stimulus of a constant frequency to the subject during the measurement period, it is possible to prevent the subject from making such mistakes, and the subject can reliably perceive and respond to the movement of the probe 8. Therefore, the subject's skin sensory threshold can be measured more objectively and accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the main parts of a skin sensation threshold measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a skin sensation threshold measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an internal configuration diagram of a skin sensation threshold measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal side view of a skin sensation threshold measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a skin sensation threshold measuring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 4 show an embodiment in which a skin sensation threshold measuring device and a measuring method according to the first embodiment of the present invention are applied to a measuring device for the sensation threshold of the sole of the foot. In the present embodiment, front and back, left and right, and up and down follow the cross arrows shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the notations of front and back, left and right, and up and down in the vicinity of the cross arrows.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the measuring device includes a measuring device main body 1, a main control unit (movement amount detection unit) 2 composed of a personal computer that specifies a sensation threshold from the measurement results of the measuring device main body 1, an input switch 3 operated by the subject, and the like. The measuring device main body 1 is driven by receiving power from a commercial power supply 4.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the measuring device body 1 consists of a flat rectangular box-shaped case 5, a probe drive unit 6 located inside the case 5, and a probe 8 that provides movement stimulation to the soles of the subject's feet 7. The case 5 consists of a flat rectangular container-shaped base 10 with an upper opening, a footrest plate (platform) 11 that closes the upper opening of the base 10, and a frame 12 that partitions the internal space of the case 5 and supports the footrest plate 11. As shown in Figure 3, the frame 12 consists of two vertical frames 12A and 12B running in the front-to-back direction and two horizontal frames 12C and 12D running in the left-to-right direction. These vertical and horizontal frames 12A to 12D divide the internal space of the case 5 into first to third compartments 13A to 13C arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction, and a fourth compartment 13D formed on the front side. The footrest plate 11, which serves as the top plate of case 5, is made of a thick plastic plate and is supported by the upper edges of the four perimeter walls of the base 10 and the four frames 12A to 12D mentioned earlier. As shown in Figure 2, a contact window 15 is provided in the center of the footrest plate 11, allowing the probe 8 to be exposed above. In Figure 4, reference numeral 14 denotes legs that are fixed to the four corners of the bottom surface of the base 10 and support the base 10 in a state where it is lifted off the floor.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the probe drive unit 6 is installed in the second compartment 13B. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the probe drive unit 6 consists of a ball screw shaft 16, a nut body 17 that engages with the ball screw shaft 16, a table 18 fixed to the upper surface of the nut body 17 and equipped with a probe 8, a stepper motor 19 that drives the ball screw shaft 16 in forward and reverse directions, and a coupling 20 that connects the stepper motor 19 and the ball screw shaft 16. The shaft end of the ball screw shaft 16 is rotatably supported via a bearing 22 by a pair of front and rear bearing bodies 21, 21 fixed to the bottom surface of the base 10. The table 18 is guided and supported to slide freely in both forward and backward directions by a pair of left and right guide rails 24, 24 provided to connect the front and rear bearing bodies 21, 21 via a slider 23 provided on its lower surface. By rotating the ball screw shaft 16 in either forward or reverse direction with the stepper motor 19, the probe 8 installed on the table 18 can be moved in either forward or backward direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the drive unit 25A for the stepper motor 19 is installed in the first compartment 13A. The third compartment 13C contains a DC power supply unit 25B that converts the AC power supply, which is the commercial power supply 4, into DC power supply and supplies power to the stepper motor 19, etc., and a control board 25C that controls the main body of the measuring device 1. The fourth compartment 13D contains a connector 28 to which the cable 26 connecting the main control unit 2 and the main body of the measuring device 1 and the cable 27 connecting the input switch 3 and the main body of the measuring device 1 are connected, and a connector 30 to which the power cord 29 connected to the commercial power supply 4 is connected.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, a vibrator 32 is installed in the center of the rear-facing horizontal frame 12C to provide vibration stimulation. The vibrator 32 consists of a motor 33 and an eccentric weight 34 attached to the output shaft of the motor 33, and generates sound and vibration by rotating the eccentric weight 34.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, a hollow section 35 for housing the vibrator 32 is formed in the center of the horizontal frame 12C, with openings on the front and rear surfaces. The motor 33 is fixed to the front side of a rectangular plate-shaped motor base 37 by a motor holder 36 that holds its housing. The motor base 37 is fixed to the rear surface of the horizontal frame 12C in a position where the motor 33 is positioned inside the hollow section 35. With the vibrator 32 configured as described above, vibrations generated by energizing the motor 33 and rotating its output shaft can provide vibration stimulation to the subject via the motor base 37, the horizontal frame 12C, and the footrest plate 11.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the input switch 3 is a push-button switch and is turned ON when the subject feels a motion stimulus originating from the movement of the probe 8 during the process of measuring the sensory threshold with the measuring device. The ON signal output from the input switch 3 is taken up by the main control unit 2, and the ON signal of the input switch 3 and the movement status of the probe 8 are stored in the memory unit of the main control unit 2. In addition, the ON vibration of the input switch 3 and the movement status of the probe 8 are displayed on the display of the main control unit 2.

[0029] The main control unit 2 drives the probe drive unit 6 to move the probe 8 in the forward and backward directions. The movement speed of the probe 8 by the probe drive unit 6 can be set in increments of 1 mm / s. The movement distance of the probe 8 can also be set in increments of 0.1 μm.

[0030] Furthermore, prior to driving the probe drive unit 6, the main control unit 2 energizes the vibrator 32 to generate sound and vibration to cancel out the driving noise and vibration emitted from the probe drive unit 6. The rotational speed of the motor 33 constituting the vibrator 32 can be changed as appropriate, and in this embodiment, the frequency vibration emitted from the vibrator 32 can be set in 10Hz increments within the range of 50Hz to 300Hz. The inventors' knowledge indicates that by continuously emitting vibration stimuli with frequencies of 95 to 105Hz, particularly vibration stimuli with a frequency of 100Hz, during the measurement period and applying vibration stimuli of these frequencies to the subject, the subject's tactile perception sensitivity can be more effectively improved. The measurement period refers to the time from when the probe drive unit 6 is started until the subject presses the input switch 3 and shows a response. In this embodiment, as described above, the vibrator 32 is started to operate prior to the operation of the probe drive unit 6. Therefore, during the period including the measurement period, the vibrator 32 continuously oscillates at a constant frequency of 100 Hz.

[0031] During the measurement, the subject places their bare feet on the footrest plate 11 and stands with their weight acting on the soles of their feet 7. At this time, the subject holds the input switch 3 with their dominant hand so that they can turn it on at any time. From this state, when the operator turns on the start button of the main control unit 2, the vibrator 32 is driven, and sound and vibration are generated from the vibrator 32. The vibration from the vibrator 32 is transmitted to the soles of the subject's feet 7 via the motor base 37, the lateral frame 12C, and the footrest plate 11. In other words, the vibration of the footrest plate 11 provides vibration stimulation to the subject. A few seconds after the vibrator 32 is driven, the probe drive unit 6 is driven to move the probe 8 in the front-back direction at a predetermined speed and by a predetermined width, providing movement stimulation to the soles of the subject's feet 7. During this time, if the subject turns on the input switch 3, a smaller, less perceptible movement stimulus is applied to the subject's sole 7 to determine whether the subject perceived the movement of the probe 8. If the subject does not respond despite the application of the movement stimulus, the probe 8 is moved with a larger, more perceptible width to determine whether the subject perceived the movement stimulus. By measuring with varying widths of movement stimuli in this way, the skin sensation threshold of the subject's sole 7 to anterior-posterior movement stimuli can be quantitatively measured with high reproducibility. Furthermore, when the period from the activation of the probe drive unit 6 to the activation of the input switch 3 is defined as the measurement period, a constant frequency vibration stimulus (100 Hz) is continuously applied to the subject from the vibrator 32 during this measurement period.

[0032] Once the skin sensation threshold is measured as described above, the main control unit 2 compares the measurement results with a database built based on age and sex to evaluate the degree of peripheral neuropathy progression, and displays the evaluation results along with the measurement results on the display of the main control unit 2. This allows even subjects without specialized knowledge and skills to use the obtained results to help prevent diabetes, etc. Since the sensory perception state of the soles of the feet 7 can be objectively captured, the obtained results can also be used as a barometer to measure the subject's mental state and health status. The measurement results obtained as described above are stored in the memory unit of the main control unit 2 along with time information, and the measurement results and evaluation results are displayed on the display of the main control unit 2.

[0033] As described above, in the measuring device of this embodiment, a vibrator 32 is provided, so that the sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 can be canceled out by the sound and vibration emitted by the vibrator 32, and the influence of the sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 can be reduced when measuring the skin sensation threshold. More specifically, in this embodiment, since vibration stimuli emitted from the vibrator 32 are applied to the subject, even though the probe 8 that is in contact with the hands and feet is not actually moving, or the subject does not perceive that the probe 8 is moving through skin sensation (touch), it is possible to suppress the subject from hearing a slight sound or feeling a slight vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 and mistakenly perceiving that the probe 8 has moved and reacting accordingly. Thus, according to this embodiment, the influence of the sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 can be reduced, so that the subject's skin sensation threshold can be measured more objectively and accurately.

[0034] Furthermore, by oscillating the vibrator 32 and applying vibrational stimulation to the subject, the subject's tactile sensitivity can be improved. As a result, the subject can more accurately and reliably perceive the movement of the probe 8 through the tactile sensation of the skin in contact with the probe 8 and respond accordingly. Therefore, in this respect as well, the subject's tactile threshold can be measured more objectively and accurately.

[0035] Since the vibrator 32 is configured to begin applying vibrational stimulation to the subject prior to the driving of the probe drive unit 6, the driving of the probe drive unit 6 can be started while vibrational stimulation from the vibrator 32 is being applied. As a result, prior to the driving of the probe drive unit 6, the subject can reliably perceive only the vibrational stimulation from the vibrator 32, and even when the probe 8 is moved afterward, the subject can clearly distinguish and recognize the sensation caused by the vibrational stimulation from the vibrator 32 from the sensation caused by the movement of the probe 8. Therefore, since the subject can reliably perceive and react to the movement of the probe 8 through skin sensation (touch) while vibrational stimulation from the vibrator 32 is being applied, the subject's skin sensation threshold can be measured more objectively and accurately.

[0036] If the frequency of the vibration stimulus fluctuates during the measurement period, the subject may mistakenly perceive a sensation caused by the frequency fluctuation as a sensation caused by the movement of the probe 8. Similarly, if the vibration stimulus is emitted intermittently during the measurement period, the subject may mistakenly perceive a sensation caused by the cessation and re-oscillation of vibration as a sensation caused by the movement of the probe 8. In contrast, as in this embodiment, if the vibrator 32 is configured to continuously apply a vibration stimulus of a constant frequency to the subject during the measurement period, it is possible to prevent the subject from making such mistakes, and the subject can reliably perceive and respond to the movement of the probe 8. Therefore, the subject's skin sensory threshold can be measured more objectively and accurately.

[0037] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 shows a skin sensation threshold measuring device and measuring method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a vibrator 32 is provided inside the backrest 41 of the chair 40 on which the subject sits. More specifically, the vibrator 32 is fixed to the back surface of a back plate 42 located inside the backrest 41, and is configured so that vibration stimulation is applied to the subject when the backrest 41 vibrates. In this embodiment, although the case 5 of the measuring device body 1 on which the subject's soles rest is provided with a probe 8 and a probe drive unit 6, etc., as in the first embodiment, the vibrator 32 is not provided inside this case 5. All other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0038] In this second embodiment, the same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Specifically, by providing the vibrator 32, the sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 can be canceled out by the sound and vibration emitted by the vibrator 32, thereby reducing the influence of the sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 when measuring the skin sensation threshold. Thus, according to this embodiment, the influence of the sound and vibration emitted by the probe drive unit 6 can be reduced, so the skin sensation threshold of the subject can be measured more objectively and accurately.

[0039] Furthermore, by oscillating the vibrator 32 and applying vibrational stimulation to the subject, the subject's tactile sensitivity can be improved. As a result, the subject can more accurately and reliably perceive the movement of the probe 8 through the tactile sensation of the skin in contact with the probe 8 and respond accordingly. Therefore, in this respect as well, the subject's tactile threshold can be measured more objectively and accurately.

[0040] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the skin sensory threshold measuring device and measuring method according to the present invention were applied to a device for measuring the sensory threshold of the soles of the feet. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied, for example, to a device and measuring method for measuring the sensory threshold of the fingers. In the above embodiment, the vibrator 32 vibrated the footrest plate 11 and the backrest 41 to provide vibration stimulation to the subject, but the present invention is not limited to this. The vibration of the vibrator 32 may be transmitted via air as a medium to provide vibration stimulation to the subject. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 2. Movement detection unit (main control unit) 6. Probe drive unit 8 probes 11. Mounting platform (footrest plate) 32 vibrators 40 chairs 41 Backrest

Claims

1. The device comprises a platform (11) on which the subject's limbs are placed, a probe (8) that contacts the skin of the subject's limbs placed on the platform (11) to provide movement stimuli, a probe drive unit (6) that drives the probe (8), and a movement amount detection unit (2) that detects the amount of movement of the probe (8), and measures the skin sensory threshold of the subject's limbs by detecting the amount of movement of the probe (8) when the subject shows a reaction. A device for measuring skin sensation thresholds, characterized by comprising a vibrator (32) that applies vibrational stimulation to a subject.

2. The vibrator (32) applies vibration to the mounting base (11), The skin sensation threshold measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting platform (11) vibrates to apply vibration stimulation to the subject.

3. The vibrator (32) applies vibration to the backrest (41) of the chair (40) on which the subject sits. The skin sensation threshold measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the backrest (41) vibrates to provide vibration stimulation to the subject.

4. A skin sensation threshold measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vibrator (32) is configured to apply vibration stimulation to the subject prior to the driving of the probe drive unit (6), and to continuously apply vibration stimulation of a constant frequency to the subject during the measurement period.

5. A method for measuring the skin sensory threshold of a subject's limbs by using a measuring device comprising a platform (11) on which a part of the subject's limbs is placed, a probe (8) that contacts the skin of the subject's limbs placed on the platform (11) to provide movement stimuli, a probe drive unit (6) that drives the probe (8), and a movement detection unit (2) that detects the amount of movement of the probe (8), wherein the amount of movement of the probe (8) is detected when the subject shows a reaction, The measuring device is equipped with a vibrator (32) that applies vibration stimulation to the subject. A method for measuring skin sensation threshold, characterized by applying vibrational stimulation to a subject using a vibrator (32) while moving a probe (8) to apply movement stimulation to the skin of the subject's hands and feet.

6. The vibrator (32) applies vibration to the mounting base (11), The method for measuring skin sensation threshold according to claim 5, wherein the mounting platform (11) vibrates to provide vibration stimulation to the subject, and the probe (8) is moved to provide movement stimulation to the skin of the subject's hands and feet.

7. The vibrator (32) applies vibration to the backrest (41) of the chair (40) on which the subject sits. The method for measuring skin sensation threshold according to claim 5, wherein the backrest (41) vibrates to provide vibration stimulation to the subject, and the probe (8) is moved to provide movement stimulation to the skin of the subject's hands and feet.

8. The method for measuring skin sensation threshold according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the vibrator (32) is configured to apply vibration stimulation to the subject prior to the driving of the probe drive unit (6), and to continuously apply vibration stimulation of a constant frequency to the subject during the measurement period.

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