Neuroscience 2002 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 841.14 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | The Helix: An Automated MRI Compatible Tactile Stimulator. |
| Authors: |
Ingeholm, J. E.*1
; Dold, G. R.2
; Pfeffer, L. E.2
; Goldstein, S. R.4
; Johnson, K. O.3
; Van Boven, R. W.1
1Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD 2Research Services Branch, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD 3Krieger Mind-Brain Institute, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 4Bioengineering/Physical Sciences, ORS, NIH, Bethesda, MD |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Sensory Systems - Tactile/Somatosensory -- Cortex imaging |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Techniques in Neuroscience<br />- Data analysis, physiological methods, statistics |
| Session: |
841. Tactile/somatosensory: cortex imaging II Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Thursday, November 7, 2002 9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
| Location: | Hall A2-B3 E-4 |
| Keywords: | TACTILE |
Investigation of somatosensory processing with functional neuroimaging requires precise control of the tactile stimulus. Accordingly, we have developed an MRI compatible, automated tactile stimulator whose surface moves across the subject's finger with or without superimposed vibration. It allows control of the stimulus pattern and orientation, scanning velocity, application force, stimulus duration, and amplitude and frequency of superimposed vibration. The device consists of a drum attached to a lead screw which is turned by a servomotor. The movement of the surface of the drum can be varied from 1-20 mm/s. The finger is lowered onto the drum by an automated pivot device with variable force. As the drum advances axially, the finger's path over the cylinder is a spiral. The tactile stimuli are patterns embossed on acrylic sheets which are bonded to the drum's surface. Through a process of commercial flexography, the embossed patterns can have any desired relief and form. Furthermore, axially directed vibration is produced by a piezo-electric actuator within the drum. The stimulus frequency (10-230 Hz) and amplitude (1-50 microns) can be specified. Because the stimulus pattern, position, speed, force and vibration can all be manipulated independently, this device provides flexible tactile stimulus control in an MRI environment. Hence, combined psychophysical and physiological investigations of tactile processing in humans are facilitated.
Supported by NIMH-IRP
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2002 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Orlando, FL: Society for Neuroscience, 2002. Online.
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