Validation of a Vibrotactile Stimulation System Using the Wii Remote for Studies of Tactile Sensitivity

Abstract

Background:Vibrotactile stimuli are widely used to study the functional characteristics of the haptic sense. Although many vibrotactile stimulators are commercially available, most are expensive. Objective:We developed a low-cost vibrotactile stimulation system using a Nintendo Wii Remote and a personal computer. In the present study, we examined the validity and accuracy of this vibrotactile stimulation system. Method:In the first experiment, we measured the linearity of vibration amplitude and changes in peak vibration frequency generated by the Wii Remote as a function of activation intensity. In the second experiment, the effect of vibrotactile stimuli applied to the dorsal surface of hand on two-point discrimination threshold at the index finger was examined in twelve participants. Results:The peak vibration frequency was about 150 Hz irrespective of vibration intensity, which would effectively activate fast adapting type II (FAII) cutaneous mechanical receptors. The two-point discrimination threshold measured at the third pad of the index finger decreased significantly when a near-threshold vibrotactile stimulus was applied to the dorsal hand, a response termed stochastic resonance (SR). These SR results are consistent with findings in the other sensory systems, such as auditory, visual, and somatosensory systems. Conclusion:This newly developed stimulation system produces controllable vibrotactile stimuli useful for study of the haptic sense.

Auditory noise improves balance control by cross-modal stochastic resonance

“…A subthreshold signal can be detected if the near-threshold level of noise is applied to the human sensory systems [12,28,33]. In the somatosensory system, a subthreshold tactile stimulus became detectable if a weak mechanical noise was simultaneously applied in healthy participants [34,35]. In addition, a positive correlation between somatosensory perception and the ability to control balance has been reported.…”