Auditory stimuli from a sensor glove model modulate cortical audiotactile integration.

The purpose of this study was to shed light on cortical audiotactile integration and sensory substitution mechanisms, thought to serve as a basis for the use of a sensor glove in the preservation of the cortical map of the hand after peripheral nerve injuries. Fourteen subjects were selected and randomly assigned either to a training group, trained to replace touch for hearing with the use of a sensor glove, or to a control group, untrained. Training group volunteers had to identify textures just by the sound. In an fMRI experiment, all subjects received three types of stimuli: tactile only, combined audiotactile stimulation, and auditory only. Results indicate that, for trained subjects, a coupling between auditory and somatosensory cortical areas is established through associative areas. Differences in signal correlation between groups point to a pairing mechanism, which, at first, connects functionally the primary auditory and sensory areas (trained subjects). Later, this connection seems to be mediated by associative areas. The training with the sensor glove influences cortical audiotactile integration mechanisms, determining BOLD signal changes in the somatosensory area during auditory stimulation.

Reeducação da sensibilidade da mão: desenvolvimento de um modelo de luva sensorial / Retraining the sensitivity of the hand: development of a sensory glove model

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver um modelo de luva sensorial e testá-lo em indivíduos não portadores de alterações sensoriais dos membros superiores, treinados a substituir o tato pela audição. MÉTODOS: Para a confecção do equipamento foram utilizados: luva de tecido, minimicrofones, amplificador e fones de ouvido. Sete sujeitos do sexo feminino, idade média de 26,28 anos (±1,03), foram selecionados para utilizar o equipamento e diferenciar texturas após treinamento. O treinamento ocorreu por sete dias, quinze minutos diários e teve como objetivo a identificação de texturas pelo som, utilizando a luva sensorial. Ao final todos os sujeitos responderam a um questionário. RESULTADOS: Todos os sujeitos classificaram o uso da luva como "confortável". Três sujeitos (42 por cento) classificaram o aspecto estético do equipamento como "ótimo", dois sujeitos (28,57 por cento) como "bom", e dois sujeitos (28,57 por cento) como "regular". Seis sujeitos (85,7 por cento) identificaram as texturas apenas pelo som e um sujeito (14,3 por cento) relatou que foi auxiliado pelo tato. CONCLUSÃO: Foi viável a confecção de um modelo de luva sensorial com tecnologia nacional de fácil acesso e custo relativamente baixo, possibilitando a identificação de texturas pelo som durante o uso do equipamento por indivíduos treinados a substituir o tato pela audição. Nivel de Evidência II, Prospectivo Comparativo.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a sensory glove model and test it in subjects with normal sensitivity in the upper limbs, who have been trained to replace hearing with touch. METHODS: To make the equipment, a glove, mini-microphones, amplifier and headphones were used. Seven female subjects, with a mean age of 26.28 years (± 1.03) were selected to use the equipment and differentiate textures after training. The training took place over seven days, fifteen minutes a day, with the aim of identifying textures through sound, using the sensory glove. At the end all subjects answered a questionnaire. RESULTS: All the subjects rated the use of the glove as "comfortable". Three subjects (42 percent) rated the aesthetic appearance of the equipment as "excellent", two subjects (28.57 percent) as "good", and two subjects (28.57 percent) as "regular." Six subjects (85.7 percent) identified the textures by sound alone, and one subject (14.3 percent) reported that he was aided by touch. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to manufacture a model of sensory glove using national technology that is readily accessible and relatively low cost, enabling the identification of textures through sound when the equipment is used by individuals trained to replace hearing with touch. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.