Stochastic resonance (SR), a counterintuitive phenomenon in which slight amounts of environmental noise actually increase the discernability of signals or stimuli, has been demonstrated to produce an effect in networks of sensory cells. Experiments have shown that both healthy young and clinical subjects -- elderly, diabetics, and stroke sufferers -- exhibit a significant increase in somatosensory (tactile and proprioceptive) sensitivity when electrical or mechanical noise is presented at the site of the stimulus. Somatosensory dysfunction in these groups is known to have significant clinical sequellae including gait abnormalities, propensity to fall, and foot ulcers.
The goal of the proposed research is to advance early laboratory results toward a therapeutic electrical stimulation device for enhancing somatosensory sensitivity of individuals in these large clinical populations. Our technical focus will be on demonstrating that SR stimulation produces a true functional benefit. To this end, we will perform tests that represent certain activities of daily living and evaluate whether the use of electrical noise results in better function. Summary of Anticipated Results and Implications: We expect to show that electrical noise applied to certain areas of the foot and ankle produces a demonstrable improvement in elderly subjects' tactile sense and quiet stance stability. These results would lead the way to commercialization of a new class of devices that would not only be beneficial individual's mobility and security, but also would result in significant savings in healthcare for a broad classes of patient groups.
