Amputation is an extreme process that is associated with the loss of autonomy of the subjects. Seeking to restore part of the lost functionality, such individuals may resort to the use of prostheses. However, current systems do not meet expectations, largely due to limited control and lack of sensory feedback. This study investigates the importance of sensory feedback in the effectiveness of prostheses, highlighting the unmet need for this component. Using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electroencephalography (EEG), the effects of parametric modulation on tactile sensitivity were evaluated through event-related potentials (ERPs). Ten healthy volunteers underwent an experimental protocol, where sensation and pain thresholds were determined, followed by EEG data collection while applying TENS at different stimulation frequencies (10, 25, and 125 Hz). The data analysis aims to understand neural responses related to sensations evoked by electrostimulation. The results pointed to an increase in EEG power at lower frequencies in the first milliseconds after the stimulus onset, followed by a decrease in power at the alpha band. A statistical analysis demonstrated the effect of stimulus frequency (between 10 and 125 Hz) in the time latency of maximum increase of power. Therefore, the ERP investigation presents itself as a possibility for quantitative assessment of the cortical response arising from processes associated with the tactile perception of electrical stimuli, thus being able to be used in the analysis of tactile feedback protocols.

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Event-Related Analysis of the Cortical Response Induced by Electrotactile Stimulation of the Finger

  • J. N. Mello,
  • M. R. Garcia,
  • L. L. M. Aguiar,
  • A. B. Soares

摘要

Amputation is an extreme process that is associated with the loss of autonomy of the subjects. Seeking to restore part of the lost functionality, such individuals may resort to the use of prostheses. However, current systems do not meet expectations, largely due to limited control and lack of sensory feedback. This study investigates the importance of sensory feedback in the effectiveness of prostheses, highlighting the unmet need for this component. Using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electroencephalography (EEG), the effects of parametric modulation on tactile sensitivity were evaluated through event-related potentials (ERPs). Ten healthy volunteers underwent an experimental protocol, where sensation and pain thresholds were determined, followed by EEG data collection while applying TENS at different stimulation frequencies (10, 25, and 125 Hz). The data analysis aims to understand neural responses related to sensations evoked by electrostimulation. The results pointed to an increase in EEG power at lower frequencies in the first milliseconds after the stimulus onset, followed by a decrease in power at the alpha band. A statistical analysis demonstrated the effect of stimulus frequency (between 10 and 125 Hz) in the time latency of maximum increase of power. Therefore, the ERP investigation presents itself as a possibility for quantitative assessment of the cortical response arising from processes associated with the tactile perception of electrical stimuli, thus being able to be used in the analysis of tactile feedback protocols.