The afferent neural response to electrotactile stimuli: preliminary results.

We recorded action potentials from three RA fibers innervating primate fingerpad, while applying electrotactile (electrocutaneous) stimulation. Negative pulses required 1.3-1.5 times more current than positive ones for entrainment. The strength-duration time constant was approximately 151 micros. Suprathreshold sinusoidal vibration synchronized to 30-Hz electrotactile pulses changed the electrotactile entrainment current slightly, indicating a possible electrical-mechanical transduction interaction.

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