Speaker: Brianna Hutchison
Advisor: Prof. E. Graczyk
Title: Direct Comparison of Perceived Tactile Sensations Evoked by Intracortical Microstimulation, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, and Mechanical Indentation
Abstract:
Both intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can restore tactile sensation to people living with physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injury (SCI). The relative benefits and limitations of these stimulation approaches are unclear since they were examined in separate studies using different patient populations and varying methods. This study directly compares the perceived sensations evoked by ICMS and PNS to natural touch in the same person for the first time. Compared to PNS, the perceived location sizes of ICMS were smaller, intensity ratings were lower, naturalness ratings were higher, and quality words overlapped more with natural touch. The greater similarity between ICMS and natural touch indicates ICMS is a more promising approach to restore natural, detailed tactile sensations. However, PNS evoked more intense and consistent percepts compared to ICMS, suggesting PNS is a more reliable sensory feedback approach. These insights can inform the strategies to restore touch for people with somatosensory deficits.