Cognitive processes and a centre-of-pressure error-based moving light-touch biofeedback.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomechanics
• Human sensorimotor control

Background:

• Light touch on a stable surface reduces center of pressure (CoP) oscillations.
• Moving surfaces can be misinterpreted by the central nervous system (CNS) as self-motion, inducing sway and coupling finger and CoP movements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of cognitive processes on a light-touch biofeedback system.
• To determine the conditions under which individuals can overcome the effects of a moving external surface on balance.

Main Methods:

• Development of a forefinger moving light-touch biofeedback system controlling surface velocity to influence CoP.
• Experimental protocol with four conditions: naive, additional sensory information, awareness of external motion, and active rejection of influence.

Main Results:

• Light-touch biofeedback is robust but can be influenced by cognitive processes.
• Awareness of external motion, its impact on sway, and active rejection are necessary to reduce finger-CoP coupling.

Conclusions:

• Light-touch exhibits cognitive flexibility similar to vision when artificially stimulated.
• This suggests a sensory re-weighting mechanism to adapt to moving environments.