Velocity-dependent suppression of cutaneous sensitivity during movement.

Cutaneous sensory thresholds were measured at the index fingertipof eight normal subjects. Electric shocks were applied with the finger at rest or tracking a target, which oscillated at one of three frequencies. For each subject, the sensory threshold was positively correlated with the frequency of oscillation. The correlations between sensory suppression and speed of movement agree with previous findings obtained using experimental animals and somatosensory-evoked responses. Possible mechanisms are discussed.