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Papaleo ED, D'Alonzo M, Fiori F, Piombino V, Falato E, Pilato F, De Liso A, Di Lazzaro V, Di Pino G. Integration of proprioception in upper limb prostheses through non-invasive strategies: a review. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:118. [PMID: 37689701 PMCID: PMC10493033 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprioception plays a key role in moving our body dexterously and effortlessly. Nevertheless, the majority of investigations evaluating the benefits of providing supplemental feedback to prosthetics users focus on delivering touch restitution. These studies evaluate the influence of touch sensation in an attempt to improve the controllability of current robotic devices. Contrarily, investigations evaluating the capabilities of proprioceptive supplemental feedback have yet to be comprehensively analyzed to the same extent, marking a major gap in knowledge within the current research climate. The non-invasive strategies employed so far to restitute proprioception are reviewed in this work. In the absence of a clearly superior strategy, approaches employing vibrotactile, electrotactile and skin-stretch stimulation achieved better and more consistent results, considering both kinesthetic and grip force information, compared with other strategies or any incidental feedback. Although emulating the richness of the physiological sensory return through artificial feedback is the primary hurdle, measuring its effects to eventually support the integration of cumbersome and energy intensive hardware into commercial prosthetic devices could represent an even greater challenge. Thus, we analyze the strengths and limitations of previous studies and discuss the possible benefits of coupling objective measures, like neurophysiological parameters, as well as measures of prosthesis embodiment and cognitive load with behavioral measures of performance. Such insights aim to provide additional and collateral outcomes to be considered in the experimental design of future investigations of proprioception restitution that could, in the end, allow researchers to gain a more detailed understanding of possibly similar behavioral results and, thus, support one strategy over another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermanno Donato Papaleo
- Research Unit of Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction (NeXTlab), Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco D'Alonzo
- Research Unit of Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction (NeXTlab), Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fiori
- Research Unit of Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction (NeXTlab), Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Piombino
- Research Unit of Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction (NeXTlab), Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Falato
- Research Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Pilato
- Research Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo De Liso
- Research Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Research Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Pino
- Research Unit of Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction (NeXTlab), Università Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
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Vargas L, Huang H, Zhu Y, Kamper D, Hu X. Resembled Tactile Feedback for Object Recognition Using a Prosthetic Hand. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2022.3196958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Vargas
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - He Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Yong Zhu
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Derek Kamper
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Xiaogang Hu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Gholinezhad S, Dosen S, Dideriksen J. Continuous Transition Impairs Discrimination of Electrotactile Frequencies. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS 2022; 15:753-758. [PMID: 36129873 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2022.3208332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Just-noticeable difference (JND), indicating the ability to accurately identify small differences in stimulation parameters, can be used to choose more sensitive stimulation methods as well as to calibrate tactile feedback in closed-loop human-machine interfacing. The JND is typically estimated using a forced-choice-discrimination task, in which two stimuli with different intensities are delivered separated by a brief pause. In the applications of tactile feedback, however, the stimulation parameters are typically modulated continuously. It is unclear if the discriminability of stimuli separated in time characterizes the ability to distinguish continuous changes in stimulation intensity. The present study compared the JND when pairs of frequency-modulated electrotactile stimuli were separated in time and presented continuously at two different baseline frequencies (20 and 60 Hz). The results showed that the JND was significantly smaller with time-separation between stimuli, but that the JND obtained with different types of transitions were in most cases linearly associated. In conclusion, the discriminability of time-separated stimuli is systematically better compared to that of the stimuli presented continuously. This can have an impact when calibrating the tactile feedback where the conventional method of the JND assessment might lead to an overly optimistic estimate of detectable changes.
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Islam MS, Lim S. Vibrotactile feedback in virtual motor learning: A systematic review. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 101:103694. [PMID: 35086007 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vibrotactile feedback can be effectively applied to motor (physical) learning in virtual environments, as it can provide task-intrinsic and augmented feedback to users, assisting them in enhancing their motor performance. This review investigates current uses of vibrotactile feedback systems in motor learning applications built upon virtual environments by systematically synthesizing 24 peer-reviewed studies. We aim to understand: (1) the current state of the science of using real-time vibrotactile feedback in virtual environments for aiding the acquisition (or improvement) of motor skills, (2) the effectiveness of using vibrotactile feedback in such applications, and (3) research gaps and opportunities in current technology. We used the Sensing-Analysis-Assessment-Intervention framework to assess the scientific literature in our review. The review identifies several research gaps in current studies, as well as potential design considerations that can improve vibrotactile feedback systems in virtual motor learning applications, including the selection and placement of feedback devices and feedback designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shafiqul Islam
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Sol Lim
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Vargas L, Huang HH, Zhu Y, Hu X. Closed-loop control of a prosthetic finger via evoked proprioceptive information. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34814128 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac3c9e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Proprioceptive information plays an important role for recognizing and coordinating our limb's static and dynamic states relative to our body or the environment. In this study, we determined how artificially evoked proprioceptive feedback affected the continuous control of a prosthetic finger.Approach.We elicited proprioceptive information regarding the joint static position and dynamic movement of a prosthetic finger via a vibrotactor array placed around the subject's upper arm. Myoelectric signals of the finger flexor and extensor muscles were used to control the prosthesis, with or without the evoked proprioceptive feedback. Two control modes were evaluated: the myoelectric signal amplitudes were continuously mapped to either the position or the velocity of the prosthetic joint.Main results.Our results showed that the evoked proprioceptive information improved the control accuracy of the joint angle, with comparable performance in the position- and velocity-control conditions. However, greater angle variability was prominent during position-control than velocity-control. Without the proprioceptive feedback, the position-control tended to show a smaller angle error than the velocity-control condition.Significance.Our findings suggest that closed-loop control of a prosthetic device can potentially be achieved using non-invasive evoked proprioceptive feedback delivered to intact participants. Moreover, the evoked sensory information was integrated during myoelectric control effectively for both control strategies. The outcomes can facilitate our understanding of the sensorimotor integration process during human-machine interactions, which can potentially promote fine control of prosthetic hands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Vargas
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27599, United States of America
| | - He Helen Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27599, United States of America
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Xiaogang Hu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27599, United States of America
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Gholinezhad S, Dosen S, Jakob D. Electrotactile feedback outweighs natural feedback in sensory integration during control of grasp force. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34416740 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac1fce] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective.The nervous system subconsciously estimates the state of the body as a weighted average of the information from various sensory sources, where the weights reflect the perceived reliability of each source. Loss of motor functions can be partially compensated using assistive systems (e.g. prostheses), which may also restore somatosensory feedback through tactile stimulation. Whether such artificial feedback is integrated in the neural state estimation process is not known.Approach.In this study, able-bodied subjects performed a grasp force matching task with supplementary non-invasive electrotactile stimulation with a frequency proportional to grasp force magnitude. Before the task, a brief training session taught the subjects to associate the sensation of electrotactile stimulation with the generated grasp force. In some trials, the force-frequency mapping was biased to introduce an unnoticeable mismatch between natural and electrotactile force feedback, thereby provoking the subject to subconsciously estimate the force as a compromise between the two sources of information.Main results.The outcome of this compromise revealed the weights assigned to each feedback type. The grasp forces were significantly affected by the biased mappings, as indicated by the average estimated relative weights (electrotactile: 0.69 ± 0.29; natural: 0.31 ± 0.29). Across subjects, this weight was correlatedr2=0.75) with the improvement in force matching precision when adding the unbiased electrotactile feedback to the natural force feedback, as predicted by maximum likelihood estimation. This shows that even after minimal training the nervous system adopts electrotactile stimulation as a highly reliable source of information that can improve the precision in the estimation of the grip force.Significance.This result has important implications for the restoration of sensory feedback in upper limb prostheses as it indicates that even non-invasive stimulation can be integrated naturally (i.e. subconsciously and effectively) in the motor controlloop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Gholinezhad
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Strahinja Dosen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Dideriksen Jakob
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Vargas L, Huang H(H, Zhu Y, Hu X. Static and dynamic proprioceptive recognition through vibrotactile stimulation. J Neural Eng 2021; 18:10.1088/1741-2552/ac0d43. [PMID: 34153955 PMCID: PMC8715509 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac0d43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Proprioceptive information provides individuals with a sense of our limb's static position and dynamic movement. Impaired or a lack of such feedback can diminish our ability to perform dexterous motions with our biological limbs or assistive devices. Here we seek to determine whether both static and dynamic components of proprioception can be recognized using variation of the spatial and temporal components of vibrotactile feedback.Approach.An array of five vibrotactors was placed on the forearm of each subject. Each tactor was encoded to represent one of the five forearm postures. Vibratory stimulus was elicited to convey the static position and movement of the forearm. Four experimental blocks were performed to test each subject's recognition of a forearm's simulated static position, rotational amplitude, rotational amplitude and direction, and rotational speed.Main results.Our results showed that the subjects were able to perform proprioceptive recognition based on the delivered vibrotactile information. Specifically, rotational amplitude recognition resulted in the highest level of accuracy (99.0%), while the recognition accuracy of the static position and the rotational amplitude-direction was the lowest (91.7% and 90.8%, respectively). Nevertheless, all proprioceptive properties were perceived with >90% accuracy, indicating that the implemented vibrotactile encoding scheme could effectively provide proprioceptive information to the users.Significance.The outcomes suggest that information pertaining to static and dynamic aspects of proprioception can be accurately delivered using an array of vibrotactors. This feedback approach could be used to potentially evaluate the sensorimotor integration processes during human-machine interactions, and to improve sensory feedback in clinical populations with somatosensory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Vargas
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, 10206B Mary Ellen Jones Bldg, Raleigh, NC 27599, United States of America
| | - He (Helen) Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, 10206B Mary Ellen Jones Bldg, Raleigh, NC 27599, United States of America
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Xiaogang Hu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, 10206B Mary Ellen Jones Bldg, Raleigh, NC 27599, United States of America
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Vargas L, Huang HH, Zhu Y, Hu X. Perception of Static Position and Kinesthesia of the Finger using Vibratory Stimulation. INTERNATIONAL IEEE/EMBS CONFERENCE ON NEURAL ENGINEERING : [PROCEEDINGS]. INTERNATIONAL IEEE EMBS CONFERENCE ON NEURAL ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:1087-1090. [PMID: 34966480 PMCID: PMC8713187 DOI: 10.1109/ner49283.2021.9441255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Proprioception provides information regarding the state of an individual's limb in terms of static position and kinesthesia (dynamic movement). When such feedback is lost or impaired, the performance of dexterous control of our biological limbs or assistive devices tends to deteriorate. In this study, we determined if external vibratory stimulation patterns could allow for the perception of a finger's static position and kinesthesia. Using four tactors and two stimulus levels, eight vibratory settings corresponded to eight discrete finger positions. The transition patterns between these eight settings corresponded to kinesthesia. Three experimental blocks assessed the perception of a finger's static position, speed, and movement (amplitude and direction). Our results demonstrated that both position and kinesthesia could be recognized with over 93% accuracy. The outcomes suggest that vibratory stimulus can inform subjects of static and dynamic aspects of finger proprioception. This sensory stimulation approach can be implemented to improve outcomes in clinical populations with sensory deficits, and to enhance user experience when users interact with assistive devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and NC State University
| | - He Helen Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and NC State University
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering at NC State University
| | - Xiaogang Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and NC State University
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De Angelis S, Princi AA, Dal Farra F, Morone G, Caltagirone C, Tramontano M. Vibrotactile-Based Rehabilitation on Balance and Gait in Patients with Neurological Diseases: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:518. [PMID: 33921655 PMCID: PMC8072538 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Postural instability and fear of falling represent two major causes of decreased mobility and quality of life in cerebrovascular and neurologic diseases. In recent years, rehabilitation strategies were carried out considering a combined sensorimotor intervention and an active involvement of the patients during the rehabilitation sessions. Accordingly, new technological devices and paradigms have been developed to increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation by integrating multisensory information and augmented feedback promoting the involvement of the cognitive paradigm in neurorehabilitation. In this context, the vibrotactile feedback (VF) could represent a peripheral therapeutic input, in order to provide spatial proprioceptive information to guide the patient during task-oriented exercises. The present systematic review and metanalysis aimed to explore the effectiveness of the VF on balance and gait rehabilitation in patients with neurological and cerebrovascular diseases. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Due to the lack of high-quality studies and heterogeneity of treatments protocols, clinical practice recommendations on the efficacy of VF cannot be made. Results show that VF-based intervention could be a safe complementary sensory-motor approach for balance and gait rehabilitation in patients with neurological and cerebrovascular diseases. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara De Angelis
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (A.A.P.); (G.M.); (C.C.)
| | | | | | - Giovanni Morone
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (A.A.P.); (G.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (A.A.P.); (G.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Marco Tramontano
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy; (S.D.A.); (A.A.P.); (G.M.); (C.C.)
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Guemann M, Bouvier S, Halgand C, Paclet F, Borrini L, Ricard D, Lapeyre E, Cattaert D, Rugy AD. Effect of vibration characteristics and vibror arrangement on the tactile perception of the upper arm in healthy subjects and upper limb amputees. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019; 16:138. [PMID: 31722740 PMCID: PMC6854744 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0597-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vibrotactile stimulation is a promising venue in the field of prosthetics to retrain sensory feedback deficits following amputation. Discrimination is well established at the forearm level but not at the upper arm level. Moreover, the effects of combining vibration characteristics such as duration and intensity has never been investigated. Method We conducted experiments on spatial discrimination (experiment 1) and tactile intensity perception (experiment 2), using 9 combinations of 3 intensities and 3 durations of vibror stimulations device. Those combinations were tested under 4 arrangements with an array of 6 vibrors. In both experiments, linear orientation aligned with the upper arm longitudinal axis were compared to circular orientation on the upper arm circumference. For both orientations, vibrors were placed either with 3cm space between the center of 2 vibrors or proportionally to the length or the circumference of the subject upper arm. Eleven heathy subjects underwent the 2 experiments and 7 amputees (humeral level) participated in the spatial discrimination task with the best arrangement found. Results Experiment 1 revealed that circular arrangements elicited better scores than the linear ones. Arrangements with vibrors spaced proportionally elicited better scores (up to 75% correct) than those with 3 cm spacing. Experiment 2, showed that the perceived intensity of the vibration increases with the intensity of the vibrors’ activation, but also with their duration of activation. The 7 patients obtained high scores (up to 91.67% correct) with the circular proportional (CP) arrangement. Discussion These results highlight that discrete and short vibrations can be well discriminated by healthy subjects and people with an upper limb amputation. These new characteristics of vibrations have great potential for future sensory substitution application in closed-loop prosthetic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Guemann
- Team HYBRID; INCIA laboratory, CNRS UMR 5287, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, Bordeaux, 33076, France.
| | | | - Christophe Halgand
- Team HYBRID; INCIA laboratory, CNRS UMR 5287, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, Bordeaux, 33076, France
| | - Florent Paclet
- Team HYBRID; INCIA laboratory, CNRS UMR 5287, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, Bordeaux, 33076, France
| | - Leo Borrini
- Departement of Rehabilitation at the Army instruction Hospital, 1 Rue du Lieutenant Raoul Batany, Clamart, 92190, France
| | - Damien Ricard
- Department of Neurology at the Army instruction Hospital, 1 Rue du Lieutenant Raoul Batany, Clamart, 92190, France
| | - Eric Lapeyre
- Departement of Rehabilitation at the Army instruction Hospital, 1 Rue du Lieutenant Raoul Batany, Clamart, 92190, France
| | - Daniel Cattaert
- Team HYBRID; INCIA laboratory, CNRS UMR 5287, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, Bordeaux, 33076, France
| | - Aymar de Rugy
- Team HYBRID; INCIA laboratory, CNRS UMR 5287, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, Bordeaux, 33076, France.,Centre for sensorimotor performance HMNS, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Richardson M, Thar J, Alvarez J, Borchers J, Ward J, Hamilton-Fletcher G. How Much Spatial Information Is Lost in the Sensory Substitution Process? Comparing Visual, Tactile, and Auditory Approaches. Perception 2019; 48:1079-1103. [PMID: 31547778 DOI: 10.1177/0301006619873194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sensory substitution devices (SSDs) can convey visuospatial information through spatialised auditory or tactile stimulation using wearable technology. However, the level of information loss associated with this transformation is unknown. In this study, novice users discriminated the location of two objects at 1.2 m using devices that transformed a 16 × 8-depth map into spatially distributed patterns of light, sound, or touch on the abdomen. Results showed that through active sensing, participants could discriminate the vertical position of objects to a visual angle of 1°, 14°, and 21°, and their distance to 2 cm, 8 cm, and 29 cm using these visual, auditory, and haptic SSDs, respectively. Visual SSDs significantly outperformed auditory and tactile SSDs on vertical localisation, whereas for depth perception, all devices significantly differed from one another (visual > auditory > haptic). Our findings highlight the high level of acuity possible for SSDs even with low spatial resolutions (e.g., 16 × 8) and quantify the level of information loss attributable to this transformation for the SSD user. Finally, we discuss ways of closing this “modality gap” found in SSDs and conclude that this process is best benchmarked against performance with SSDs that return to their primary modality (e.g., visuospatial into visual).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Thar
- Media Computing Group, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
| | - James Alvarez
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Jan Borchers
- Media Computing Group, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
| | - Jamie Ward
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK; Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Giles Hamilton-Fletcher
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK; Neuroimaging and Visual Science Laboratory, New York University Langone Health, NY, USA
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Iandolo R, Carè M, Shah VA, Schiavi S, Bommarito G, Boffa G, Giannoni P, Inglese M, Mrotek LA, Scheidt RA, Casadio M. A two alternative forced choice method for assessing vibrotactile discrimination thresholds in the lower limb. Somatosens Mot Res 2019; 36:162-170. [PMID: 31267810 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2019.1632184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of an easy to implement, quantitative measure to examine vibration perception would be useful for future application in clinical settings. Vibration sense in the lower limb of younger and older adults was examined using the method of constant stimuli (MCS) and the two-alternative forced choice paradigm. The focus of this experiment was to determine an appropriate stimulation site on the lower limb (tendon versus bone) to assess vibration threshold and to determine if the left and right legs have varying thresholds. Discrimination thresholds obtained at two stimulation sites in the left and right lower limbs showed differences in vibration threshold across the two ages groups, but not across sides of the body nor between stimulation sites within each limb. Overall, the MCS can be implemented simply, reliably, and with minimal time. It can also easily be implemented with low-cost technology. Therefore, it could be a good candidate method to assess the presence of specific deep sensitivity deficits in clinical practice, particularly in populations likely to show the onset of sensory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Iandolo
- a Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Genova , Italy.,b Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering , University of Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Marta Carè
- b Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering , University of Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Valay A Shah
- c Department of Biomedical Engineering , Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee , WI , USA
| | - Simona Schiavi
- d Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health , University of Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Giulia Bommarito
- d Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health , University of Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Giacomo Boffa
- d Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health , University of Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Psiche Giannoni
- b Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering , University of Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- d Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health , University of Genova , Genova , Italy.,e Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IRCSS , Genova , Italy
| | - Leigh Ann Mrotek
- c Department of Biomedical Engineering , Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee , WI , USA
| | - Robert A Scheidt
- c Department of Biomedical Engineering , Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee , WI , USA.,f Feinberg School of Medicine , Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA.,g Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation , National Science Foundation , Alexandria , VA , USA
| | - Maura Casadio
- a Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Genova , Italy.,b Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering , University of Genova , Genova , Italy
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Pena AE, Rincon-Gonzalez L, Abbas JJ, Jung R. Effects of vibrotactile feedback and grasp interface compliance on perception and control of a sensorized myoelectric hand. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210956. [PMID: 30650161 PMCID: PMC6334959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current myoelectric prosthetic limbs are limited in their ability to provide direct sensory feedback to users, which increases attentional demands and reliance on visual cues. Vibrotactile sensory substitution (VSS), which can be used to provide sensory feedback in a non-invasive manner has demonstrated some improvement in myoelectric hand control. In this work, we developed and tested two VSS configurations: one with a single burst-rate modulated actuator and another with a spatially distributed array of five coin tactors. We performed a direct comparative assessment of these two VSS configurations with able-bodied subjects to investigate sensory perception, myoelectric control of grasp force and hand aperture with a prosthesis, and the effects of interface compliance. Six subjects completed a sensory perception experiment under a stimulation only paradigm; sixteen subjects completed experiments to compare VSS performance on perception and graded myoelectric control during grasp force and hand aperture tasks; and ten subjects completed experiments to investigate the effect of mechanical compliance of the myoelectric hand on the ability to control grasp force. Results indicated that sensory perception of vibrotactile feedback was not different for the two VSS configurations in the absence of active myoelectric control, but it was better with feedback from the coin tactor array than with the single actuator during myoelectric control of grasp force. Graded myoelectric control of grasp force and hand aperture was better with feedback from the coin tactor array than with the single actuator, and myoelectric control of grasp force was improved with a compliant grasp interface. Further investigations with VSS should focus on the use of coin tactor arrays by subjects with amputation in real-world settings and on improving control of grasp force by increasing the mechanical compliance of the hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres E. Pena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Liliana Rincon-Gonzalez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - James J. Abbas
- School of Biological & Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of America
| | - Ranu Jung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Stronks HC, Parker DJ, Stacey A, Barnes N. Psychophysical Evaluation of a Tactile Display Based on Coin Motors. Artif Organs 2018; 42:1224-1233. [PMID: 29761832 DOI: 10.1111/aor.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Tactile vision substitution devices present visual images as tactile representations on the skin. In this study we have tested the performance of a prototype 96-tactor vibrotactile using a subset of 64 tactors. We have determined the tactile spatial acuity and intensity discrimination in 14 naïve subjects. Spatial acuity was determined using a grating acuity task. Subjects could successfully identify the orientation of horizontal and vertical gratings with an average psychophysical threshold of 120 mm. When diagonal gratings were included in the analysis, the median performance dropped below psychophysical threshold, but was still significantly above chance at gratings of 142 mm wide. Intensity discrimination yielded an average Weber fraction of 0.44, corresponding to 13 discernable "gray levels" in the available dynamic range. Interleaved stimulation of the motors did not significantly affect spatial acuity or intensity discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Christiaan Stronks
- Department of Computer Vision, Data61 CSIRO, Canberra, Australia.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neuroscience, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Daniel J Parker
- Department of Computer Vision, Data61 CSIRO, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ashley Stacey
- Department of Computer Vision, Data61 CSIRO, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nick Barnes
- Department of Computer Vision, Data61 CSIRO, Canberra, Australia.,Research School of Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Abstract
In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2017 are organized by category and summarized. We provide a brief reflection of the research and progress in artificial organs intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of these technologies and methods. Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level." Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. Peer-reviewed Special Issues this year included contributions from the 12th International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion edited by Dr. Akif Undar, Artificial Oxygen Carriers edited by Drs. Akira Kawaguchi and Jan Simoni, the 24th Congress of the International Society for Mechanical Circulatory Support edited by Dr. Toru Masuzawa, Challenges in the Field of Biomedical Devices: A Multidisciplinary Perspective edited by Dr. Vincenzo Piemonte and colleagues and Functional Electrical Stimulation edited by Dr. Winfried Mayr and colleagues. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, John Wiley & Sons for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. We look forward to reporting further advances in the coming years.
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