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Stochastic Noise Application for the Assessment of Medial Vestibular Nucleus Neuron Sensitivity In Vitro

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Subtle to significant: Enhancing heaviness perception with stochastic resonance.

Alli A Grunkemeyer¹, Damian G Kelty-Stephen², Aaron D Likens¹

¹Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance

|May 7, 2026

Summary

Subthreshold vibrotactile stimulation did not improve heaviness perception. Pink noise did not enhance accuracy, and white noise increased errors for heavier objects, challenging stochastic resonance theories.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Sensory Perception
Human Movement Science

Background:

Dynamic touch enables object property perception via movement.
Stochastic resonance theory posits noise can enhance weak signals.
Fractal dynamics, characterized by long-range correlations (LRCs), are observed in biological movements.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if subthreshold vibrotactile noise (pink vs. white) enhances heaviness perception accuracy.
To explore the relationship between fractal movement dynamics (LRCs) and perceptual performance.
To test the applicability of stochastic resonance in tactile perception of weight.

Main Methods:

Participants performed blindfolded wielding tasks to estimate object weight.
Subthreshold pink noise and white noise stimulation were applied.
Movement dynamics were analyzed using autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA) modeling to quantify LRCs.

Main Results:

LRCs were confirmed in wielding movements, but pink noise did not improve perceptual accuracy.
A complex interaction between noise type and object mass was observed.
White noise increased perceptual error for heavier objects, contrary to stochastic resonance predictions.

Conclusions:

Subthreshold noise, including pink noise, does not consistently enhance heaviness perception.
Movement complexity (LRCs) alone does not guarantee improved perceptual accuracy.
Findings challenge current stochastic resonance models and suggest context-dependent effects of noise on perception.