The effects of training on a vibrotacticle cognitive feedback system

The utility of vibrotactile feedback to provide balance and walking pace information for use in conjunction with a functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis is discussed. The cognitive feedback system was evaluated by stimulating the use of paraplegic subjects. A nondisabled person, termed the walker, was outfitted with foot load transducers (FLTs). A second nondisabled person, termed the mimic, was outfitted with bimorph transducers that produce vibrotactile stimulation. The mimic attempted to interpret the feedback provided by the FLTs of the walker through the bimorphs. The feedback was a mild, concentrated vibration that varied with the foot pressure applied. The experimental design and results are described. Through consistent training with the feedback system, a reduction in cognitive load is shown, and statistically significant improvements are reported in information transfer through vibrotactile feedback