Identification of haptic paths with different resolution and their effect on body scheme illusion in lower limbs

New research in the field of prosthesis showed a lack of satisfaction of amputees with their prosthesis and the prosthesis shaft, despite of the technology that is used. Correlative studies show a relation between satisfaction of the prostheses user and appearance. Interpreting appearance as a descriptor for body scheme integration, due to the significant correlation with voluntary movements, the consideration of this human factor is expected to be most useful to optimize biomechanical functionality. To enhance this human factor in the future the transfer of the rubber hand illusion (as a neuroscientific paradigm) to the foot is tested within an experimental setup that is able to identify different haptic paths and to examine the effect of these paths on the rubber foot illusion. First results show small effects during the evoking of the rubber foot illusion. For now, different haptic stimulation paths have no impact on the evoking of the rubber feet illusion. Consequences for the optimization of biomechanical functionality within the concept of appearance and the measurement of the satisfaction of the prosthesis user in the future are discussed.

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