Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Tactile sensory feedback or haptics is a fundamental element of life. While feedback is vital for interaction with the outside world, current commercially available prostheses do not provide a formal mechanism to convey sensory information (1-3). The current study investigated four fundamental issues relating to external vibrotactile stimulation namely: optimal tactor location on upper arm, feedback signal type, skin desensitization, and the ability of feedback to assist in controlling grasping force. (Fig 1) A total of seven unilateral upper limb amputees participated in this study. Results demonstrated optimum feedback resolution in bicep region based on comfort and effectiveness. The average time for skin to become desensitized was 66 seconds. Among different waveforms tested, the sinusoidal waveform was the most effective (paired t-test, p=0.047). The cognitive loading test results demonstrated an improvement in grasping force due to haptic feedback at 60% of maximum grasping force (p<0.05). The preliminary haptic feedback device enhanced grasping force accuracy at specific forces rather than across all forces. (Fig 3)
Source: DukeSpace (Duke University)
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W84959189