Characteristics of illusory vibration in the toe pad induced by vibration applied to toenail and toe force to surface

We present a novel method for providing a tactile sensations using a tactile illusion in the toe pad during gait. Our method extends an illusion previously described in the finger pad, in which tactile sensations were induced when a vibration was presented to the fingernail while the finger pad was in contact with a surface. In Preliminary test, we qualitatively confirmed that the illusion could be induced in the toe pad with a certain level of intensity of vibration and toe force applied to the surface. In Experiment, we quantitatively measured the minimum force for inducing the illusion with constant vibration intensity using a psychophysical approach. The results revealed that an average force of 326 gf was required to induce the illusion. In addition, informal testing suggested that force was negatively correlated with the temperature of the toe pad.

[1]  Jeremy R. Cooperstock,et al.  Touch Is Everywhere: Floor Surfaces as Ambient Haptic Interfaces , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Haptics.

[2]  Junji Watanabe,et al.  A fingernail‐mounted tactile display for augmented reality systems , 2007 .

[3]  Hideyuki Ando,et al.  Fingernail-Mounted Display of Attraction Force and Texture , 2010, EuroHaptics.

[4]  Hiroshi Mizoguchi,et al.  Enhancement of Plantar Tactile Sensitivity by Wearable Stabilization Device Based on Stochastic Resonance for Fall Prevention , 2013, J. Robotics Mechatronics.

[5]  Conor J Walsh,et al.  Sensory Enhancing Insoles Modify Gait during Inclined Treadmill Walking with Load. , 2016, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[6]  Taku Hachisu,et al.  Sole Tactile Display Using Tactile Illusion by Vibration on Toenail , 2016, AsiaHaptics.

[7]  Richard D. Gilson,et al.  Vibrotactile masking: Some spatial and temporal aspects , 1969 .

[8]  Aimé Lay-Ekuakille,et al.  Tactile-Foot Stimulation Can Assist the Navigation of People with Visual Impairment , 2015, Applied bionics and biomechanics.

[9]  Richard D. Gilson,et al.  Vibrotactile masking: Effects of multiple maskers , 1969 .

[10]  Thomas L. Milani,et al.  Foot sole skin temperature affects plantar foot sensitivity , 2009, Clinical Neurophysiology.

[11]  M. Morris,et al.  Foot and ankle characteristics associated with impaired balance and functional ability in older people. , 2005, The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences.

[12]  M C Harper,et al.  Ender nailing for peritrochanteric fractures of the femur. An analysis of indications, factors related to mechanical failure, and postoperative results. , 1985, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[13]  Kelsey Petersen,et al.  Sensory enhancing insoles improve athletic performance during a hexagonal agility task. , 2016, Journal of biomechanics.

[14]  Catherine R Lowrey,et al.  Cooling reduces the cutaneous afferent firing response to vibratory stimuli in glabrous skin of the human foot sole. , 2013, Journal of neurophysiology.

[15]  Vincent Nougier,et al.  Do spike insoles enhance postural stability and plantar-surface cutaneous sensitivity in the elderly? , 2008, AGE.

[16]  Jasmine C Menant,et al.  Effects of walking surfaces and footwear on temporo-spatial gait parameters in young and older people. , 2009, Gait & posture.

[17]  J P Roll,et al.  Foot sole and ankle muscle inputs contribute jointly to human erect posture regulation , 2001, The Journal of physiology.

[18]  C I Franks,et al.  Plantar pressure measurements and the prevention of ulceration in the diabetic foot. , 1985, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume.