Multimodal Haptic Feedback for Plantar Sensory Substitution
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Summary
The study will explore the use of a haptic device for sensory substitution in individuals with a movement disorder that has caused loss of plantar sensation. The haptic device consists of two components. The first element is a flexible insole with embedded pressure-sensing elements that transmit the spatial patterns of applied foot pressure over time. The second element is a haptic receiver with embedded actuators that vibrate or heat up in proportion to the transmitted pressure patterns, thus substituting the patient's lost plantar sensation.
Description
OBJECTIVES: 1. Identify a systematic, methodical approach to determine whether different users of our haptic device can perceive and use vibrational and thermal feedback in order to correct their posture in real-time. 2. Evaluate whether a haptic device can be used to guide users to maintain a prescribed pattern of pressure on their feet during standing and walking. 3. Investigate whether a haptic device can improve outcomes on motor evaluation tasks.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to ambulate 10 meters with or without assistance * Able and willing to give written consent and comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to give written consent or comply with study procedures * Unable to perceive unsafe levels of heat in relevant areas * Has a motor complete spinal cord injury * Have transfemoral (above knee) amputation * Any condition that would prevent the safe completion of study activities, as determined by the Principal Investigator
Interventions
- DeviceHaptic Device
Provides sensory substitution by mapping pressure from the insole sensor onto a corresponding vibrating and heating patch to be worn where more sensation is present.
Location
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLabChicago, Illinois