View clinical trials related to Sensation Disorders.
Filter by:The overall goal of this project is to continue development and commercialization of a Wearable Sensory Prosthesis termed Walkasins. The device measures foot pressure through a thin sole insert, developed under National Institute on Aging (NIA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I funding, and displays pressure information through a vibrotactile feedback array, placed around the lower leg, to help improve balance function. The device can replace lost foot pressure sensation in individuals with peripheral neuropathy who have balance problems.
This study is being conducted to improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans by reducing the time required for imaging. Experience has shown that unpleasant side-effects from magnetic pulses used in MRI (for example, tingling or tapping sensations) can be reduced when the magnetic pulses are shortened. In this study, we will explore whether this effect holds true when very short magnetic pulses are applied.
Principles of motor control suggest that breast hypertrophy can lead to sensoriomotor alterations and impairment in body balance due to postural misalignment. The investigators conducted this study to evaluate the postural control with different sensorial information condition in women with breast hypertrophy.
Our research has shown that pressure sensation from the soles of the feet (plantar mechanoreceptors) plays an important role in controlling several key aspects of balancing reactions, particularly during compensatory stepping . As a result, age-related loss of plantar pressure sensation, which is very common, can lead to impaired control of these reactions. However, we have shown that it is possible to compensate for balance impairments resulting from this loss of sensation by using special footwear insoles to facilitate sensation from the perimeter of the sole. To date, we have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach in laboratory studies, and we have obtained a U.S. patent for the design concept. However, it remains to be determined whether the benefits of the footwear persist over the long term, or whether there is a habituation of the effect. Also, we need to determine whether there are any practical problems associated with wearing such footwear, e.g. due to discomfort or irritation of the skin.