Propriedades psicométricas de instrumentos de avaliação sensorial quantitativa: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

Introduction: In the field of neuroscience, human sensory experience is an object of study approached in various ways. The study of the integrity of the sensory conduction pathways, which can be used for diagnostic purposes, can be done by determining the current perception threshold (CPT). The aim of this review is to examine studies that analyzed the psychometric properties of equipments used to assess the CPT in individuals with some kind of sensory impairment. Methods: This is a systematic review of studies that sought to investigate the measurement properties of non-invasive quantitative sensory assessment equipment in individuals with some type of sensory impairment. The databases consulted were PubMed, PEDro and CINAHL. The methodological quality assessment used adapted criteria based on the COSMIN-Checklist (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments). Results: After the researches on the databases 414 articles were found, of which 10 were included in the final sample. The equipment used in all studies to obtain the CPT was the Neurometer®. The measurement properties investigated were construct validity and criterion validity, and all the studies obtained a methodological evaluation classified as sufficient. Concluding remarks: The adequate results for the measurement properties investigated favor the use of quantitative sensory evaluation in individuals with sensitivity alterations, through the determination of the electric current perception threshold. However, it’s emphasized the need to conduct studies that can analyze other measurement properties, such as reliability, responsiveness and safety.