Mufti, T., Slovak, M., Barker, A.T. et al. (1 more author) (2016) 24-channel transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulation of the forearm: Effects on cognitive performance and autonomic arousal compared with single-electrode stimulation. Cogent Medicine, 3 (1). 1149992.
Abstract
We sought to establish the effects on cognitive performance and autonomic arousal of a multi-electrode transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulator compared with single-electrode stimulation. Progressing from a feasibility study (n = 10) to a repeated-measures, within-subject study (n = 67), healthy, right-handed participants (34 male, mean age 28 ± 11.5 yrs.) received four separate predictable (“lines” or “ring”) or unpredictable (“fly” or “random”) complex electrical stimulation patterns to the non-dominant forearm via 24 individually programmable electrodes, or single-electrode stimulation. During stimulation, participants in the main study performed a series of cognitively demanding tests or a two-point discrimination task and had their autonomic arousal (skin conductance response) monitored. Single-electrode “first felt” current intensity decreased from distal to proximal forearm, was positively correlated with forearm circumference and was lower in females. Single-electrode stimulation was associated with a significant decline in two-point discrimination performance. There were no significant autonomic arousal or cognitive performance differences between complex patterns, but all patterns were associated with greater autonomic arousal than single-electrode stimulation. In conclusion, gender and forearm location and circumference significantly influence perception-levels for electrical current. Future research should examine whether the induction of increased autonomic arousal, via multi-electrode complex patterns, has improved therapeutic application, compared with single-electrode stimulation.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license. |
Keywords: | transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulation; rehabilitation; salience; cognitive interference; attention; complex patterns |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > Department of Neuroscience (Sheffield) The University of Sheffield > Sheffield Teaching Hospitals |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 14 Mar 2016 09:30 |
Last Modified: | 14 Mar 2016 17:38 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2331205X.2016.1149992 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Cogent OA |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1080/2331205X.2016.1149992 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:96342 |