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Static and active tactile perception and touch anisotropy: aging and gender effect
A Abdouni1, G Moreau2, R Vargiolu2
1Univ. Lyon, Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique des Systèmes-LTDS UMR-CNRS 5513, ECL-ENISE, F-69134, Ecully, France. abdouninaceur@hotmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|September 26, 2018
Summary
This study explores how finger size and contact area influence tactile perception across different ages and genders. Understanding these factors is key to improving touch-based technologies and human-computer interaction.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The human finger is the primary interface for touch, yet age and gender effects on tactile perception are under-explored.
- Previous research identified complexities in correlating finger biophysical properties with tactile perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess static and dynamic touch perception, including touch gestures.
- To investigate age and gender influences on tactile perception by analyzing finger size and real contact area.
- To understand tactile perception across different touch gestures and mechanical property anisotropies.
Main Methods:
- Studied 40 human fingers across various ages and genders.
- Measured finger size and real contact area (static and dynamic).
- Analyzed tactile perception during different touch gestures and directions (top-to-bottom, left-to-right).
Main Results:
- Finger size and real contact area correlate with mechanoreceptor density, impacting static and dynamic tactile perception.
- Tactile perception varies with age and gender.
- Touch gesture directionality influences perception due to anisotropic mechanical properties.
Conclusions:
- Finger biophysical properties, including size and contact area, are critical determinants of tactile perception.
- Age and gender significantly modulate tactile sensory capabilities.
- Investigating touch gestures and material anisotropy offers deeper insights into tactile perception mechanisms.
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