The Sensory Kinetics Neuro Approach

Our Research

Engineering Acoustics, Inc. (EAI) has since 1995 developed and manufactured a range of compact, wearable vibrotactile actuators (“tactors”) for application in military, commercial and biomedical environments and applications.  EAI’s tactors are well suited for the investigation of non-invasive tactile neuromodulation, and can be easily configured to provide a wide range of stimulation characteristics at different target sites on the body.

Use of Mechanical Stimulation

The sense of touch is integral to our understanding and exploration of the world around us. Touch comprises multiple distinct systems, collectively known as the somatosensory system. Sensory receptors in the skin, muscles, tendons and joints provide us with light touch, vibration, pressure, temperature, proprioception (position sense) and pain. The somatosensory system is used for our perception and reaction to stimuli originating outside and inside of the body, as well as for the perception and control of body position and balance. Tactile information is mapped through SII and SI onto the somatosensory cortex and arranged somatotopically –  an area on the body locates to a specific point on the brain (SI).

Non-Invasive Neuromodulation using Tactile Pathways

The somatosensory system is a diverse, versatile and under-researched area for neuromodulation. Existing EAI vibrotactile technology can be used for investigative research. Applications such as:

• Pain: Tactile stimulation has been used to increase pain thresholds. This approach is based on the understanding of gate control theory where it is believed that a non-painful input can close the “gate” to painful input traveling to the CNS.
• Stochastic Resonance: Dr Jim Collins (professor of biomedical engineering at Boston University) showed that low-level stochastic, or random, vibrations improved sense of touch. Collins went on to demonstrate that generating a subthreshold noise in the sensory pathway with a random electrical stimulation improves detectability of weak mechanical stimuli. This may have application in addressing peripheral neuropathy, stroke rehabilitation and improving balance and gait in the elderly.
• Headache/Migraine: Tactile stimulation of the trigeminal nerve has been recently applied to the reduction of migraines.
• Treatment of Neurological Diseases:  Dr. Tass reports of use of vibrotactile stimulation to apply Coordinated Reset Stimulation (CRS), which has been shown to cause long-lasting reduction of pathological synchronization in parkinsonian monkeys.

EAI’s SKNeuro tactile stimulation/neuromodulation systems are available now for investigators to utilize in their research and development activities[1] – please contact EAI for additional information, pricing and availability. Please also see our Terms and Conditions of Sale.

[1] NOTE:  Data provided on the website is for information only.  No claims of treatment efficacy are made, and equipment shown is for investigational purposes only. Information visible here is not providing any medical advice, and none should be inferred, from any ideas, suggestions, testimonials, or other information provided over the phone, in the mail, in product packaging, on this website, or in email correspondence.