The research and development leading to the above described vibration test was funded by the European Research Council (ERC, ADG 294678) and the German Research Council (grant, SFB665). Thanks go to the Max-Delbr&#252;ck-Center technical and support staff, Mr. R. Fischer, B. Neumann, and Mr. M. Pflaume, who provided invaluable assistance with the project.

試験プロトコルはシャリテ-Universitätsmedizin倫理委員会によって承認されました。 1.振動検出しきい値（VDT） <ol><li>デバイスとテストプロトコルアセンブリ - 事前テスト<ol><li> 図1（a）に係る装置の構成部品を組み立てます。テーブルの上に滑らかな表面のボード（40センチメートル×80センチ）を配置します。ボード上の黄銅棒を置きます。 </li><li>コントローラ部に圧電アクチュエータ（振動刺激）を接続します。 </li><li>応答ボックスとモニタ装置は、データ収集システム（補足コードファイルを参照してください）​​に接続します。 </li><li>コンピュータ（またはラップトップ）にデータ収集システムを接続し、アクチュエータ制御ユニットをピエゾします。 </li><li> （プローブの詳細はマテリアルを参照）の圧電アクチュエータの可動部にカスタムメイドの刺激プローブをねじ込みます。 </li><li>バランスのとれた黄銅棒上のプローブを用いて圧電アクチュエータをマウントします。 </li></ol></li><li>試験プロトコル<ol><li>スクリプトの2区間強制選択の形質転換ルールを上に実装し、方法ダウン試験プロトコル。スクリプトの概要のための補足コードファイルを参照してください。 </li><li>特性を正弦波として振動刺激の波形を構築し、刺激持続時間を指定し、立ち上がりおよび立ち下がり。 <ol><li>オープンソフトウェア（ 例えば 、LabChart）。セットアップ&gt;刺激を選択します。 </li><li>カスタム波形を選択して、刺激のオプションを設定します。各区間（STIM1及びSTIM2）に関連する2刺激波形を作成します。 注：1.8秒の正弦波に続いて4秒の遅延、および1.8秒（無刺激）の遅延：波形STIM1は、3つの部分から構成されています。波形stimの2は3つの部分から構成されている：4秒の遅延は、1.8秒（無刺激）の遅延に続いて、1.8秒の正弦波で。 </li><li>正弦波形の場合は、周波数と振幅のための新しい変数パラメータを作成。 MODIFyの立ち上がりと立ち下がりに以下の機能を入力することにより、正弦波関数。 （1-E -bt）∙振幅∙正弦（周波数）、B = 9.1：波形を上昇 （E -bt）∙振幅∙正弦（周波数）、B = 9.1：波形秋</li><li>ラボチャートのデータパネルで、振動刺激の35振幅強度（またはレベル）に関連する35の電圧出力のセットを作成します。 表1を参照してください。 </li></ol></li><li> （補足コードファイルのセクションを参照）試験手順のためのマクロスクリプトでテストした振動周波数に対する振動刺激の開始/デフォルトの振幅を設定します。 </li></ol></li><li>調製と被験者のトレーニング - テストセッション<ol><li>試験手順について被験者に通知し、それらは、書面による同意書に署名しています。匿名性を確保し、データ保護の要件を満たすために、各参加者に番号を割り当てます。 </li><li>快適に被験者を着座20〜30℃の間の温度で、静かな部屋インチ被験者が試験中に期待することを知っているように、シンプルかつ明確な方法でテストについてのそれらに指示します。 </li><li>ボード上の被験者の腕を置きます。パッドの動きを最小限に抑えるために、医療生地と小指。ちょうど爪床の下にテストした手の小指にプローブを配置するために、ボード上の黄銅棒を置きます。プローブと皮膚との間の適切な接触を確保し、水位を使用して水平位置にプローブの位置を調整します。円形フラットプローブの縁で皮膚の接触を避けます。 注：これは、プローブの平らな面が皮膚表面に30グラム（0.3 N）の周りに適用されることを保証します。シャープエッジが低下検出しきい値につながることができます。黄銅棒の重い質量は、デバイスに周囲から邪魔振動の伝達を防止し、適用される正弦波の損失を最小限に抑えることができます。 </li><li>試験の前に、参加者を得ますセットアップに慣れsです。被験者は実験手順が理解されていることを確認するために、振動を感知するまで試験周波数に依存して、本両方の簡単（レベル23）とハード（レベル7）は、振幅を変化させることにより、振動刺激を知覚します。 </li><li>必要に応じて試験プロトコルの開始時に被験者が容易に刺激を検出できるように、（1.2.3を参照）選択された周波数で開始します（デフォルト）の振幅をリセットします。 </li><li>試験中に対象と審査官の間の相互作用を最小限に抑えます。 </li><li>アップダウン適応法22で2-の代替強制選択手順を使用するスクリプトを実行してテストを開始します。 注：1.3.7-1.3.12中のアクションは、プログラムスクリプトによって自動化されています。 </li><li>各試験では、無作為に視覚的にモニター（ 図1B）の画面上の「1」と「2」として被験者に示されている2つの間隔の間に振動刺激を管理します。被験体は、第1又は第2のシーケンシャルな間隔は、2つのボタン「1」または応答ボックスに「2」のいずれかを押すことにより、振動刺激が含まれている場合を示しています。刺激が提示されたとき、彼または彼女がわからない場合には、被験者が推測してみましょう。 注：強制選択技術は、被験者が振動を知覚されない場合であっても応答することが必要です。 </li><li> 9単一試行の最大6で構成されて裁判シリーズでは、少なくとも6回連続して1つの振幅レベルで同じ振動刺激を繰り返します。応答がすべて正しい場合は、その後の裁判シリーズの刺激強度レベル（ダウンルール）を低減。 </li><li>被験者が裁判シリーズにエラーをした場合、適応方法（スクリプト内の論理演算子）の決定ルールに基づいて、同じ刺激​​強度に対象をより多くの試練を付与します。 2未満で正しく刺激が正しく、少なくとも5試験で識別された場合に刺激強度を低減し、トライアル。 </li><li>被験者が裁判シリーズの2間違った回答をした場合、刺激レベルを上げ、または、複数の不正な応答と5未満の正解。 </li><li>反転点と刺激強度の方向の変化を文書化します。反転ポイント数に応じて刺激強度を変更：4の強度レベルによって、第三の反転点の前に。 3 番目の反転点で2強度レベルによって、 1レベルによって、他（詳細は補足コードファイルと図4Bを参照してください）。 </li><li>被験者は8逆転の合計を完了したときにテストを終了します。 </li><li>最後の6逆転の刺激振幅値の中央値を取ることによって、VDTを計算します。 </li></ol></li></ol> 2.触覚空間視力テスト<ol><li>触覚視力キューブ（TAC）を使用して、2-の代替強制選択格子方位テストと触覚視力を決定します。 TACは、それぞれが含有する6面で構成されていますその幅が0.75ミリメートル、1.25ミリメートル、1.75ミリメートル、3.0ミリメートル、4.5ミリメートル、および6.0ミリメートルである回折格子（バーと溝）。 </li><li> 20〜30°Cとタスクの指示の間の温度で、静かな部屋でシート科目。 </li><li>実験中、シールド眼鏡を使用して、被験者を目隠し。掌面を上に向けてテーブルの上に利き手を置きます。 </li><li>各試行では、2格子の向きの一方に指パッドにTACを適用：垂直（平行な方向）または水平方向（横方向）の指の長軸に整列されます。ランダムに各試行のための格子の向きの順序を選択します。 </li><li>キューブは、指（233グラム）に、その全体の重量を発揮するように人差し指の指腹に2秒間TACの格子を適用します。指腹にTACを押すことは避けてください。 </li><li>キューブは、その指から削除される前に整列の向きを決定するために被験者を確認して下さい。 </li><li>参加者のf iの動きを避けますそれは向きに手がかりを提供するかもしれないので、nger。実験者は、指が移動したことを検知した場合に裁判を破棄します。 注：小さな指の動きが手順で実験者によって検出されない可能性があることに注意してください。 </li><li>階段のアルゴリズムで2ダウンと1アップ適応方式を採用。 </li><li>最大の格子、6.0ミリメートルで始まります。 </li><li>オリエンテーション（正しい応答）の2正しい識別した後、回折格子の幅を減少させます。 </li><li>次の、小さい幅をテストし、被験者が誤った応答を行い、反転点として格子幅を文書化するまで、ステッピングルールを続行します。 </li><li>幅の2つの向きが正しく再び決定されるまで、再び格子幅を段階的に増やします。 </li><li> 13逆転の完了後にテストを終了します。 </li><li>最後の10逆転の格子幅の中央値をとることによって、触覚格子の向きのしきい値を計算します。 </li></ol>

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J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Under+which+conditions+do+the+skin+and+probe+decouple+during+sinusoidal+vibrations?.">Under which conditions do the skin and probe decouple during sinusoidal vibrations?.</a> Exp Brain Res. 129 (2), 211-217 (1999).</li><li>Makous, J. C., Gescheider, G. A., Bolanowski, S. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+static+indentation+on+vibrotactile+threshold.">The effects of static indentation on vibrotactile threshold.</a> J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 99 (5), 3149-3153 (1996).</li><li>Goldreich, D., Kanics, I. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tactile+Acuity+is+Enhanced+in+Blindness.">Tactile Acuity is Enhanced in Blindness.</a> J. Neurosci. 23 (8), 3439-3445 (2003).</li><li>Peters, R. M., Goldreich, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tactile+Spatial+Acuity+in+Childhood:+Effects+of+Age+and+Fingertip+Size.">Tactile Spatial Acuity in Childhood: Effects of Age and Fingertip Size.</a> PLoS One. 8 (12), (2013).</li><li>Tong, J., Mao, O., Goldreich, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Two-point+orientation+discrimination+versus+the+traditional+two-point+test+for+tactile+spatial+acuity+assessment.">Two-point orientation discrimination versus the traditional two-point test for tactile spatial acuity assessment.</a> Front Hum Neurosci. 7, 579 (2013).</li><li>Goldreich, D., Wong, M., Peters, R. M., Kanics, I. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Tactile+Automated+Passive-Finger+Stimulator+(TAPS).">A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator (TAPS).</a> J Vis Exp. (28), (2009).</li><li>Coste, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Piezo+proteins+are+pore-forming+subunits+of+mechanically+activated+channels.">Piezo proteins are pore-forming subunits of mechanically activated channels.</a> Nature. 483 (7388), 176-181 (2012).</li><li>Martinez-Salgado, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stomatin+and+Sensory+Neuron+Mechanotransduction.">Stomatin and Sensory Neuron Mechanotransduction.</a> J Neurophysiol. 98 (6), 3802-3808 (2007).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

VDTを評価するために使用される技術は、装置の仕様、ハードウェア、及び試験プロトコルに関して異なります。国際標準化機構は、振動計のさまざまなコンポーネントのための勧告（ISO 13091から1および2 26,27）を含む振動触覚閾値を分析し、解釈するための方法と手順を指定する記載の試験システムは、試験周波数範囲に関連するISO勧告に遵守してい（4-125 Hz）で、メソッド、プロー...

Specialized mechanosensory receptors in the skin mediate the perception of vibration and grating orientation. Each mechanosensory receptor type is tuned to detect distinct features of tactile stimuli1,2. This property provides the psychophysical basis for a differentiated assessment of mechanosensory function by using tests that deliver simple sinusoidal oscillations (vibration) or fine gratings. It is known that psychophysical thresholds for vibration perception are lower for high than low frequency vibration3,4. Two types of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors associated with the Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles primarily detect low (10-40 Hz) and high (100-200 Hz) frequency vibration stimuli, respectively5. It is thought that the psychophysical thresholds for vibration perception rely to a considerable extent on the activation of these two sets of mechanoreceptors at their best frequencies6,7. Tactile spatial acuity is tested by the grating orientation task to determine the finest grating whose orientation can be discriminated by a subject7-9. Merkel cell-neurite complex afferents are essential for detecting grating orientation8,10. Interestingly, there has been considerable recent progress in our understanding of the molecular basis of how mechanoreceptors detect extremely small tactile stimuli11. Mechanosensitive ion channels like Piezo2 and modulators like STOML3 have been directly implicated in the detection of fine tactile stimuli in touch receptors12-15. There are already human patients identified with function altering mutations in the Piezo2 gene and it will be important to test whether such patients have touch deficits16. 
The determination of the vibrotactile threshold relies on the delivery of a vibrating stimulus to the skin. Vibration detection thresholds vary with the vibration frequency. Vibration frequency to detection threshold curves were described by von Bekesey, Verillo, and Bolanowski, among many others, from the 1930s up to the 1990s5,17. The devices in the early days were based on shakers and power amplifiers and several devices have been commercialized and there are a lot of variation as to choice of stimulator (testing frequency), the diameter of the probe in contact with skin, the use of a surround to limit the stimulation to one area of the skin, and the testing protocol that determines the threshold (see the following references for more detailed insight on the device and testing features)18-20. Most devices usually test one site; however, there are new devices that use vertical displacement stimulators equipped with 2 probes to deliver vibratory stimuli with separation ranges that can be varied21. Also detection thresholds are measured based on vibration frequency or intensity discrimination with continuous stimulation; or with intermittent vibration stimuli with or without a masking stimulus. Therefore, we recommend that the reader be aware of the plethora of developments in this field. 
Here, we describe the components of the device and a step-by-step guide on how to conduct psychophysical tests to estimate vibration detection threshold in human subjects. We then show how to assess tactile acuity manually by using the tactile acuity cube. We use a two-interval, forced-choice paradigm: the stimulus is always presented during one of two intervals and the subject has to indicate which interval has the vibration stimulus. We employ a transformed-rule up and down as the adaptive method that executes a threshold search by changing the stimulus intensity based on the performance during the test. Both psychophysical protocols can be used by investigators as a screening tool for evaluation of alterations in touch sensitivity.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1381">
	<colgroup>
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
	</colgroup>
	<tbody>
		<tr height="145">
			<td height="145" style="height:145px;width:115px;">Piezo actuator</td>
			<td style="width:83px;">Physik Instrument, Germany</td>
			<td style="width:221px;">P-602.1L</td>
			<td style="width:411px;">The linear piezoelectric actuator, with integrated position sensor and motion amplifier, contains a piezoceramic material that elongates and contracts when voltage is applied. The piezoelectric actuator travels up to100 &#181;m. The actuator is equipped with a flexure guide that ensures straight motion without tilting or lateral offset. The displacement is linear and calibration is done and checked by the manufacturer. It is recommended that on-axis movement of the probe be checked under the microscope. According to the manufacturer, the stimulus amplitude dampens by less than 20% at oscillating frequencies of 1000 Hz. This can be checked by using a force or displacement measuring device (e.g. force transducer from Kleindiek).</td>
			<td style="width:555px;">The linear piezoelectric actuator, with integrated position sensor and motion amplifier, contains a piezoceramic material that elongates and contracts when voltage is applied. The piezoelectric actuator travels up to100 &#181;m. The actuator is equipped with a flexure guide that ensures straight motion without tilting or lateral offset. The displacement is linear and calibration is done and checked by the manufacturer. It is recommended that on-axis movement of the probe be checked under the microscope. According to the manufacturer, the stimulus amplitude dampens by less than 20% at oscillating frequencies of 1000 Hz. This can be checked by using a force or displacement measuring device (e.g. force transducer from Kleindiek).</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="547">
			<td height="547" style="height:546px;width:115px;">Piezo Amplifier / Servo Controller</td>
			<td style="width:83px;">Physik Instrument, Germany</td>
			<td style="width:221px;">E-665</td>
			<td style="width:411px;">E-665 amplifier/controller drives and controls the displacement of a low-voltage piezoelectric actuator in a system with sensor position feedback (SGS sensors). The servo-controller provides the option for closed loop operation. When applying sinusoidal and oscillating stimuli the amplitude signal deviates from the set amplitude starting from 500 Hz and reaches a maximum decrease of 20% at 1000Hz.&#160;&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:555px;">E-665 amplifier/controller drives and controls the displacement of a low-voltage piezoelectric actuator in a system with sensor position feedback (SGS sensors). The servo-controller provides the option for closed loop operation. When applying sinusoidal and oscillating stimuli the amplitude signal deviates from the set amplitude starting from 500 Hz and reaches a maximum decrease of 20% at 1000Hz. &#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="39">
			<td height="57" rowspan="2" style="height:57px;width:115px;">LabChart Software</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:83px;">ADInstruments, USA</td>
			<td style="width:221px;">LabChart 7, MLU60/8</td>
			<td style="width:411px;">Can create, store and run macro of the psychophysical testing algorithm.&#160;</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:555px;">Can create, store and run macro of the psychophysical testing algorithm.&#160;&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="18">
			<td height="18" style="height:18px;width:221px;"></td>
			<td style="width:411px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="17">
			<td height="35" rowspan="2" style="height:35px;width:115px;">PowerLab</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:83px;">ADInstruments, USA</td>
			<td style="width:221px;">PowerLab 4/35 PL3504</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:411px;">Data Acquisition Hardware. Used with LabChart software.</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:555px;">Data Acquisition Hardware. Used with LabChart software.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="18">
			<td height="18" style="height:18px;width:221px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="60">
			<td height="60" style="height:60px;width:115px;">Brass bar</td>
			<td style="width:83px;">Custom-made</td>
			<td style="width:221px;"></td>
			<td colspan="2" style="width:965px;">Bar made of pure brass, weighs 15.5Kg. When the peizoelectric actuator is mounted on the brass bar it should exert a force of 30 g weight on skin surface.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="35">
			<td height="35" style="height:35px;width:115px;">Monitor</td>
			<td style="width:83px;">Custom-made</td>
			<td style="width:221px;"></td>
			<td colspan="2" style="width:965px;">To mark the 1st and the 2nd interval. The monitor indicates to the subject the time intervals during which the stimulus may be presented.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="35">
			<td height="35" style="height:35px;width:115px;">Response box</td>
			<td style="width:83px;">Custom-made</td>
			<td style="width:221px;"></td>
			<td colspan="2" style="width:965px;">The subject indicates the interval at which stimulus occurred.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="35">
			<td height="35" style="height:35px;width:115px;">Board&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:83px;">Custom-made</td>
			<td style="width:221px;"></td>
			<td colspan="2" style="width:965px;">Upper surface should be smooth (Plastic), lower surface made of foam to prevent stray vibration ot be transmitted to the stimulating pobe.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="71">
			<td height="71" style="height:71px;width:115px;">Probe</td>
			<td style="width:83px;">Custom-made</td>
			<td style="width:221px;"></td>
			<td colspan="2" style="width:965px;">A flat circular probe with smoothed edges (thermoplastic material) attached to a screw head. The screw should be of appropriate size to be tightened directly to the moving part of piezoelectric actuator. Size of the probe can be according to preference; in our case, diameter 8.21mm and surface area 52.9mm2.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="39">
			<td height="39" style="height:39px;width:115px;">Labchart Script</td>
			<td style="width:83px;"></td>
			<td style="width:221px;"></td>
			<td colspan="2" style="width:965px;">Can be sent on request. See supplementary code file.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="51">
			<td height="51" style="height:51px;width:115px;">Tactile Acuity Cube</td>
			<td style="width:83px;">MedCore</td>
			<td style="width:221px;"></td>
			<td colspan="2" style="width:965px;">The cube is comprised of 6 sides each containing a grating (bar and groove) whose widths are 0.75, 1.25, 1.75, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 mm.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

measurement of vibration detection threshold and tactile spatial acuity in human subjects

Tests that allow the precise determination of psychophysical thresholds for vibration and grating orientation provide valuable information about mechanosensory function that are relevant for clinical diagnosis as well as for basic research. Here, we describe two psychophysical tests designed to determine the vibration detection threshold (automated system) and tactile spatial acuity (handheld device). Both procedures implement a two-interval forced-choice and a transformed-rule up and down experimental paradigm. These tests have been used to obtain mechanosensory profiles for individuals from distinct human cohorts such as twins or people with sensorineural deafness.

圧電アクチュエータは、被験体に振動刺激を提供します。振動刺激は、1.8秒の全持続時間を有し、第一または第二の間隔（ 図2A）の間の試験中に一度だけ提示されています。立ち上がり開始時に立ち下がり時間と刺激のオフセットは、それぞれ（1-E -bt）∙振幅∙正弦（周波数）、および（e -bt）∙振幅∙正弦（周波数）、ここで、関数に?...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Measurement of Vibration Detection Threshold and Tactile Spatial Acuity in Human Subjects at JoVE.com

Measurement of Vibration Detection Threshold and Tactile Spatial Acuity in Human Subjects

ここでは、プロトコルは、ヒトにおける心理物理学的方法を用いて、振動検出閾値と触覚視力を決定するために提示します。

ヒト対象における振動検出しきい値と触覚空間視力の測定

Tests that allow the precise determination of psychophysical thresholds for vibration and grating orientation provide valuable information about ...

measurement-vibration-detection-threshold-tactile-spatial-acuity

Universidad San Sebastian

Research

JoVE Journal

Behavior

12.6K ビュー.  Charite Universitätsmedzin, Campus Virchow Klinikum und Campus Charite Mitte. ここでは、プロトコルは、ヒトにおける心理物理学的方法を用いて、振動検出閾値と触覚視力を決定するために提示します。 

ビデオ: Measurement of Vibration Detection Threshold and Tactile Spatial Acuity in Human Subjects

Quantitative Assessment of Cortical Auditory-tactile Processing in Children with Disabilities

Objective and easy measurement of sensory processing is extremely difficult in nonverbal or vulnerable pediatric patients. We developed a new methodology to quantitatively assess children&#39;s cortical processing of light touch, speech sounds and the multisensory processing of the 2 stimuli, without requiring active subject participation or causing children discomfort. To accomplish this we developed a dual channel, time and strength calibrated air puff stimulator that allows both tactile stimulation and sham control. We combined this with the use of event-related potential methodology to allow for high temporal resolution of signals from the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices as well as higher order processing. This methodology also allowed us to measure a multisensory response to auditory-tactile stimulation.

Objective and easy measurement of sensory processing is extremely difficult in nonverbal or vulnerable pediatric patients. We developed a new methodology to quantitatively assess infants and children&#39;s cortical processing of light touch, speech sounds, and the multisensory processing of the 2 stimuli, without requiring active subject participation or causing discomfort in vulnerable patients.

障害児における皮質聴覚、触覚情報処理の定量的評価

Objective and easy measurement of sensory processing is extremely difficult in nonverbal or vulnerable pediatric patients. We developed a new methodology ...

行動学

Performing Behavioral Tasks in Subjects with Intracranial Electrodes

Patients having stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) electrode, subdural grid or depth electrode implants have a multitude of electrodes implanted in different areas of their brain for the localization of their seizure focus and eloquent areas. After implantation, the patient must remain in the hospital until the pathological area of brain is found and possibly resected. During this time, these patients offer a unique opportunity to the research community because any number of behavioral paradigms can be performed to uncover the neural correlates that guide behavior. Here we present a method for recording brain activity from intracranial implants as subjects perform a behavioral task designed to assess decision-making and reward encoding. All electrophysiological data from the intracranial electrodes are recorded during the behavioral task, allowing for the examination of the many brain areas involved in a single function at time scales relevant to behavior. Moreover, and unlike animal studies, human patients can learn a wide variety of behavioral tasks quickly, allowing for the ability to perform more than one task in the same subject or for performing controls. Despite the many advantages of this technique for understanding human brain function, there are also methodological limitations that we discuss, including environmental factors, analgesic effects, time constraints and recordings from diseased tissue. This method may be easily implemented by any institution that performs intracranial assessments; providing the opportunity to directly examine human brain function during behavior.

Patients implanted with intracranial electrodes provide a unique opportunity to record neurological data from multiple areas of the brain while the patient performs behavioral tasks. Here, we present a method of recording from implanted patients that can be reproducible at other institutions with access to this patient population.

頭蓋内電極を有する被験者に行動タスクの実行

Patients having stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) electrode, subdural grid or depth electrode implants have a multitude of electrodes implanted in ...

Testing Tactile Masking between the Forearms

Masking, in which one stimulus affects the detection of another, is a classic technique that has been used in visual, auditory, and tactile research, usually using stimuli that are close together to reveal local interactions. Masking effects have also been demonstrated in which a tactile stimulus alters the perception of a touch at a distant location. Such effects can provide insight into how components of the body's representations in the brain may be linked. Occasional reports have indicated that touches on one hand or forearm can affect tactile sensitivity at corresponding contralateral locations. To explore the matching of corresponding points across the body, we can measure the spatial tuning and effect of posture on contralateral masking. Careful controls are required to rule out direct effects of the remote stimulus, for example by mechanical transmission, and also attention effects in which thresholds may be altered by the participant's attention being drawn away from the stimulus of interest. The use of this technique is beneficial as a behavioural measure for exploring which parts of the body are functionally connected and whether the two sides of the body interact in a somatotopic representation. This manuscript describes a behavioural protocol that can be used for studying contralateral tactile masking.

Here we explore contralateral tactile masking between the forearms in which tactile detection thresholds are modulated by vibration applied to a remote site. The details of which remote sites have an effect can tell us about how the body is represented in the brain.

前腕の間のテスト触覚マスキング

Masking, in which one stimulus affects the detection of another, is a classic technique that has been used in visual, auditory, and tactile research, ...

Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery

Human pain models are useful in the assessing the analgesic effect of drugs, providing information about a drug&#39;s pharmacology and identify potentially suitable therapeutic populations. The need to use a comprehensive battery of pain models is highlighted by studies whereby only a single pain model, thought to relate to the clinical situation, demonstrates lack of efficacy. No single experimental model can mimic the complex nature of clinical pain. The integrated, multi-modal pain task&#160;battery presented here encompasses the electrical stimulation task, pressure stimulation task, cold pressor task, the UVB inflammatory model which includes a thermal task and a paradigm for inhibitory conditioned pain modulation. These human pain models have been tested for predicative validity and reliability both in their own right and in combination, and can be used repeatedly, quickly, in short succession, with minimum burden for the subject and with a modest quantity of equipment. This allows a drug to be fully characterized and profiled for analgesic effect which is especially useful for drugs with a novel or untested mechanism of action.

Human pain models are valuable tools used to assess the analgesic potential of novel compounds and predict their clinical efficacy, especially when used in an integrated manner. Although implementation of these models is complex, with proper execution, the pain models described in this protocol can provide predictive and reliable results.

統合された、マルチモーダル痛みタスクのバッテリーを使用痛みの検出と許容閾値を決定

Human pain models are useful in the assessing the analgesic effect of drugs, providing information about a drug&#39;s pharmacology and identify ...

The (Spatial) Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition

The memory game paradigm is a behavioral procedure to explore the relationship between language, spatial memory, and object knowledge. Using two different versions of the paradigm, spatial language use and memory for object location are tested under different, experimentally manipulated conditions. This allows us to tease apart proposed models explaining the influence of object knowledge on spatial language (e.g., spatial demonstratives), and spatial memory, as well as understanding the parameters that affect demonstrative choice and spatial memory more broadly. Key to the development of the method was the need to collect data on language use (e.g., spatial demonstratives: &#34;this/that&#34;) and spatial memory data under strictly controlled conditions, while retaining a degree of ecological validity. The language version (section 3.1) of the memory game tests how conditions affect language use. Participants refer verbally to objects placed at different locations (e.g., using spatial demonstratives: &#34;this/that red circle&#34;). Different parameters can be experimentally manipulated: the distance from the participant, the position of a conspecific, and for example whether the participant owns, knows, or sees the object while referring to it. The same parameters can be manipulated in the memory version of the memory game (section 3.2). This version tests the effects of the different conditions on object-location memory. Following object placement, participants get 10 seconds to memorize the object&#39;s location. After the object and location cues are removed, participants verbally direct the experimenter to move a stick to indicate where the object was. The difference between the memorized and the actual location shows the direction and strength of the memory error, allowing comparisons between the influences of the respective parameters.

The Spatial Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition

We present a protocol to explore the relationship between spatial language production, spatial memory, and object knowledge. The procedure allows experimental manipulation of, and control over, conditions of object knowledge, language at instruction, and physical location, thus teasing apart cognitive and linguistic models describing interactions between these variables.

(空間的) メモリ ゲーム: テスト空間言語、オブジェクトの知識と空間認知との関係

The memory game paradigm is a behavioral procedure to explore the relationship between language, spatial memory, and object knowledge. Using two different ...

Whole Body Vibration Methods with Survivors of Polio

The purpose of the original study was to examine the use of whole body vibration (WBV) on polio survivors with and without post-polio syndrome as a form of weight bearing exercise. The goal of this article is to highlight the strengths, limitations, and applications of the method used. Fifteen participants completed two intervention blocks with a wash-out period in between the blocks. Each block consisted of twice a week (four weeks) WBV interventions, progressing from 10 to 20 min per session. Low intensity (peak to peak displacement 4.53 mm, frequency 24 Hz, g force 2.21) and higher intensity (peak to peak displacement 8.82 mm, frequency 35 Hz, g force 2.76) WBV blocks were used. Pain severity significantly improved in both groups following higher intensity vibration. Walking speed significantly improved in the group who participated in higher intensity intervention first. No study-related adverse events occurred. Even though this population can be at risk of developing overuse-related muscle weakness, fatigue, or pain from excessive physical activity or exercise, the vibration intensity levels utilized did not cause significant muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, or sleep disturbances. Therefore, WBV appears to provide a safe method of weight bearing exercise for this population. Limitations included the lack of measurement of reflexes, muscular activity, or circulation, the difficulty in participant recruitment, and insufficient strength of some participants to stand in recommended position. Strengths included a standard, safe protocol with intentional monitoring of symptoms and the heterogeneity of the participants in their physical abilities. An application of the methods is the home use of WBV to reduce the barriers associated with going to a facility for weight bearing exercise for longer term interventions, and benefits for conditions such as osteoporosis, particularly for aging adults with mobility difficulties due to paralysis or weakness. Presented method may serve as a starting point in future studies.

The goal of this article is to highlight the strengths, limitations, and applications of the method used with whole body vibration on polio survivors with and without post-polio syndrome as a feasible and safe form of weight bearing exercise.

ポリオ生存者と全身振動法

The purpose of the original study was to examine the use of whole body vibration (WBV) on polio survivors with and without post-polio syndrome as a form ...

Applying Incongruent Visual-Tactile Stimuli during Object Transfer with Vibro-Tactile Feedback

The application of incongruent sensory signals that involves disrupted tactile feedback is rarely explored, specifically with the presence of vibrotactile feedback (VTF). This protocol aims to test the effect of VTF on the response to incongruent visual-tactile stimuli. The tactile feedback is acquired by grasping a block and moving it across a partition. The visual feedback is a real-time virtual presentation of the moving block, acquired using a motion capture system. The congruent feedback is the reliable presentation of the movement of the block, so that the subject feels that the block is grasped and see it move along with the path of the hand. The incongruent feedback appears as the movement of the block diverts from the actual movement path, so that it seems to drop from the hand when it is actually still held by the subject, thereby contradicting the tactile feedback. Twenty subjects (age 30.2 &#177; 16.3) repeated 16 block transfers, while their hand was hidden. These were repeated with VTF and without VTF (total of 32 block transfers). Incongruent stimuli were presented randomly twice within the 16 repetitions in each condition (with and without VTF). Each subject was asked to rate the difficulty level of performing the task with and without the VTF. There were no statistically significant differences in the length of the hand paths and durations between transfers recorded with congruent and incongruent visual-tactile signals &#8211; with and without the VTF. The perceived difficulty level of performing the task with the VTF significantly correlated with the normalized path length of the block with VTF (r = 0.675, p = 0.002). This setup is used to quantify the additive or reductive value of VTF during motor function that involves incongruent visual-tactile stimuli. Possible applications are prosthetics design, smart sport-wear, or any other garments that incorporate VTF.

We present a protocol to apply incongruent visual-tactile stimuli during an object transfer task. Specifically, during block transfers, performed while the hand is hidden, a virtual presentation of the block shows random occurrences of false block drops. The protocol also describes adding vibrotactile feedback while performing the motor task.

振動触覚フィードバックを用いた物体移動時の不適合視覚触覚刺激の適用

The application of incongruent sensory signals that involves disrupted tactile feedback is rarely explored, specifically with the presence of vibrotactile ...

Measurement of Spatial Stability in Precision Grip

The purpose of the protocol is to indirectly evaluate the direction of the finger force during manipulation of a handheld object based on the biomechanical relationships in which deviated force direction causes center of pressure (COP) replacement. To evaluate this, a thin, flexible, and high spatial resolution pressure sensor sheet is used. The system allows measurement of the COP trajectory in addition to the force amplitude and its temporal regulation. A series of experiments found that increased trajectory length reflected a sensorimotor deficit in stroke patients, and that decreased COP trajectory reflects a compensatory strategy to avoid an object slipping from the hand grip in the elderly. Moreover, the COP trajectory could also be decreased by dual task interference. This article describes the experimental procedure and discusses how finger COP contributes to an understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of grasping.

The goal of this protocol is to measure the center of pressure (COP) replacement using a high spatial resolution sensor sheet to reflect the spatial stability in a precision grip. The use of this protocol could contribute to greater understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of grasping.

精密グリップにおける空間安定性の測定

The purpose of the protocol is to indirectly evaluate the direction of the finger force during manipulation of a handheld object based on the ...

Impact of High-intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on the Cardiac Troponin T Level at an Early Stage of Training

An elevation in cardiac troponin T (cTnT), as a highly specific biomarker of cardiomyocyte damage, after moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MCE) has been described. The exercise-induced cTnT response distorts the diagnostic role of the cTnT assay. Although high-intensity interval exercise (HIE) is growing in popularity and concerns remain about its safety, available data related to cTnT release after HIE is limited, which hampers the use of HIE as a health intervention. Here, we present three representative HIE protocols [traditional HIE (repeated 4 min cycling at 90% V&#775;O2max interspersed with 3 min rest, 200 kJ/session); sprint interval exercise (SIE, repeated 1 min cycling at 120% V&#775;O2max interspersed with 1.5 min rest, 200 kJ/session); and repeated sprint exercise (RSE, 40 x 6 s all-out sprints interspersed with 9 s rest)] and one representative MCE protocol (continuous cycling exercise at an intensity of 60% V&#775;O2max, 200 kJ/session). Forty-seven sedentary, overweight young women were randomly assigned to one of four groups (HIE, SIE, RSE, and MCE). Six bouts of respective exercise were performed by every single group, with each being 48 h apart. Meanwhile, for four groups, the duration of the entire testing period was identical, being 10 days. Before and after the first and final exercise bouts, an assessment was conducted of cTnT. The current study provides a frame of reference giving a clear picture of how a specific exercise session affects the circulating cTnT concentration at the early stage of training. The information may assist with clinical interpretations of post-exercise cTnT elevation and guide the prescription of exercise, especially for HIE.

Here, we present protocols of high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous exercise to observe the response of circulating cardiac troponin T (cTnT) concentration to acute exercise over 10 days. The information may assist with clinical interpretations of post-exercise cTnT elevation and guide the prescription of exercise.

トレーニングの初期段階における高強度インターバル運動と中強度連続運動が心臓トロポニンTレベルに及ぼす影響

An elevation in cardiac troponin T (cTnT), as a highly specific biomarker of cardiomyocyte damage, after moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MCE) has ...

An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field

Current athlete monitoring practice in team sports is mainly based on positional data measured by global positioning or local positioning systems. The disadvantage of these measurement systems is that they do not register lower extremity kinematics, which could be a useful measure for identifying injury-risk factors. Rapid development in sensor technology may overcome the limitations of the current measurement systems. With inertial measurement units (IMUs) securely fixed to body segments, sensor fusion algorithms and a biomechanical model, joint kinematics could be estimated. The main purpose of this article is to demonstrate a sensor setup for estimating hip and knee joint kinematics of team sport athletes in the field. Five male subjects (age 22.5 &#177; 2.1 years; body mass 77.0 &#177; 3.8 kg; height 184.3 &#177; 5.2 cm; training experience 15.3 &#177; 4.8 years) performed a maximal 30-meter linear sprint. Hip and knee joint angles and angular velocities were obtained by five IMUs placed on the pelvis, both thighs and both shanks. Hip angles ranged from 195&#176; (&#177; 8&#176;) extension to 100.5&#176; (&#177; 8&#176;) flexion and knee angles ranged from 168.6&#176; (&#177; 12&#176;) minimal flexion and 62.8&#176; (&#177; 12&#176;) maximal flexion. Furthermore, hip angular velocity ranged between 802.6 &#176;&#183;s-1 (&#177; 192 &#176;&#183;s-1) and -674.9 &#176;&#183;s-1 (&#177; 130 &#176;&#183;s-1). Knee angular velocity ranged between 1155.9 &#176;&#183;s-1 (&#177; 200 &#176;&#183;s-1) and -1208.2 &#176;&#183;s-1 (&#177; 264 &#176;&#183;s-1). The sensor setup has been validated and could provide additional information with regard to athlete monitoring in the field.&#160;This may help professionals in a daily sports setting to evaluate their training programs, aiming to reduce injury and optimize performance.

Monitoring athletes is essential for improving performance and reducing injury risk in team sports. Current methods to monitor athletes do not include the lower extremities. Attaching multiple inertial measurement units to the lower extremities could improve monitoring athletes in the field.

フィールド上のチームスポーツ選手における股関節と膝関節運動学を推定する慣性測定ユニットベースの方法

Current athlete monitoring practice in team sports is mainly based on positional data measured by global positioning or local positioning systems. The ...