Development and Validation of a Wearable Device to Provide Rich Somatosensory Stimulation for Rehabilitation After Sensorimotor Impairment
Journal article, 2023

Training sensory discrimination of the skin has the potential to reduce chronic pain due to sensorimotor impairments and increase sensorimotor function. Currently, there is no such device that can systematically provide rich skin stimulation suitable for a training protocol for individuals with amputation or major sensory impairment. This study describes the development and validation of a non-invasive wearable device meant to repeatedly and safely deliver somatosensory stimulations. The development was guided by a structured design control process to ensure the verifiability and validity of the design outcomes. Two sub-systems were designed: 1) a tactile display for touch and vibration sensations, and 2) a set of bands for sliding, pressure, and strain sensations. The device was designed with a versatile structure that allows for its application on different body parts. We designed a device-paired interactive computer program to enable structured sensory training sessions. Validation was performed with 11 individuals with intact limbs whose upper arm tactile sensitivity was measured over 5 training sessions. Tactile discrimination and perception threshold were measured using the standard 2-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests, respectively. The results of the monofilament test showed a significant improvement (p = 0.011), but the improvement was not significant for the 2-point discrimination test(p = 0.141). These promising results confirm the potential of the proposed training to increase the sensory acuity in the upper arms of individuals with intact limbs. Further studies will be conducted to determine how to transfer the findings of this work to improve the pain and/or functional rehabilitation in individuals with sensorimotor impairments.

Functional rehabilitation

sensory training

neurorehabilitation

plasticity-guided treatment

serious games

Author

Mirka Buist

Bionics Institute

University of Gothenburg

Shahrzad Damercheli

Center for Bionics and Pain Research

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Systems and control

Minh Tat Nhat Truong

Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)

Center for Bionics and Pain Research

Alessio Sanna

Center for Bionics and Pain Research

Enzo Mastinu

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Systems and control

Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSUP)

Max Jair Ortiz Catalan

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Systems and control

Bionics Institute

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems

1932-4545 (ISSN) 19409990 (eISSN)

Vol. 17 3 547-557

Subject Categories

Physiotherapy

Occupational Therapy

Neurology

DOI

10.1109/TBCAS.2023.3271821

PubMed

37126609

More information

Latest update

5/23/2024