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Natural Sensations Evoked in Distal Extremities Using Surface Electrical Stimulation
Julia P Slopsema1, John M Boss1, Lane A Heyboer1
1Hope College Depatment of Engineering, 223F Vanderwerf 27 Graves Place, Holland, MI 49423.
The Open Biomedical Engineering Journal
|March 16, 2018
Summary
Surface electrical stimulation can non-invasively evoke natural sensations in the limbs. A low-frequency waveform successfully created a tapping sensation in most participants, even those with amputations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Electrical stimulation is a growing area in medical treatments.
- This study explores surface electrical stimulation for non-invasive neural targeting.
- The focus is on evoking natural sensation in distal limbs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate surface electrical stimulation for non-invasive neural activation.
- To determine if natural sensation can be evoked in distal limbs using this method.
- To assess the effectiveness of patterned waveforms for sensation evocation.
Main Methods:
- Electrodes were placed on major nerves in the elbow and knee.
- Strength-duration curves were analyzed to compare nerve responses.
- Various patterned waveforms were tested to evoke natural sensations.
Main Results:
- Distal sensation was achieved in most tested nerves across able-bodied and amputee subjects.
- Increased stimulus amplitude generally enhanced the sensation's area and magnitude.
- A low-frequency waveform elicited a tapping sensation in a majority of able-bodied subjects.
Conclusions:
- Surface electrical stimulation shows promise as a non-invasive neural activation tool.
- Evoking a tapping sensation in distal extremities is feasible in most individuals.
- Surface nerve trunk targeting is a viable method for short-term phantom limb sensation in amputees.
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