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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
100
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.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois, United States
RECRUITINGPressure data from the insoles
The primary outcome is to use the pressure-sensitive insole to ensure that we can accurately record spatial and temporal pressure data from a wide variety of healthy and non-healthy individuals.
Time frame: During the intervention
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