The afferent neural response to electrotactile stimuli: preliminary results

Author

Kaczmarek, Kurt A. ; Tyler, Mitchell E. ; Brisben, Amy J. ; Johnson, Kenneth O.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Rehabilitation Med., Wisconsin Univ., Madison, WI, USA

Volume

8

Issue

2

fYear

2000

fDate

6/1/2000 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

268

Lastpage

270

Abstract

The authors recorded action potentials from three RA fibers innervating primate fingerpad, while applying electrotactile (electrocutaneous) stimulation. Negative pulses required 1.3-1.5 times more current than positive ones for entrainment. The strength-duration time constant was approximately 151 μs. Suprathreshold sinusoidal vibration synchronized to 30-Hz electrotactile pulses changed the electrotactile entrainment current slightly, indicating a possible electrical-mechanical transduction interaction

Keywords

bioelectric phenomena; neurophysiology; sensory aids; skin; touch (physiological); vibrations; 151 mus; 30 Hz; RA fibers innervating primate fingerpad; afferent neural response; electrical-mechanical transduction interaction; electrocutaneous stimulation; electrotactile entrainment current; electrotactile stimulation; electrotactile stimuli; entrainment; negative pulses; strength-duration time constant; suprathreshold sinusoidal vibration; Actuators; Communication channels; Displays; Electrodes; Nerve fibers; Neurofeedback; Sensory aids; Skin; Vibrations; Virtual environment;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Rehabilitation Engineering, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1063-6528

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/86.847828

Filename

847828