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Karmakar S, Kesh A, Muniyandi M. Thermal illusions for thermal displays: a review. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1278894. [PMID: 38116235 PMCID: PMC10728301 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1278894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermal illusions, a subset of haptic illusions, have historically faced technical challenges and limited exploration. They have been underutilized in prior studies related to thermal displays. This review paper primarily aims to comprehensively categorize thermal illusions, offering insights for diverse applications in thermal display design. Recent advancements in the field have spurred a fresh perspective on thermal and pain perception, specifically through the lens of thermal illusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhankar Karmakar
- Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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2
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Coe P, Evreinov G, Raisamo R. The Impact of Different Overlay Materials on the Tactile Detection of Virtual Straight Lines. MULTIMODAL TECHNOLOGIES AND INTERACTION 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/mti7040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve the perception of haptic feedback, materials and sense-modifier effects should be examined. Teflon, Nylon mesh, and Silicone overlays were tested in combination with lateral vibrations to study their impact on the tactile sense. A feelable point moving along a line was implemented through the use of a dynamically moving interference maximum generated via the offset actuation of four haptic exciters affixed to corners of a Gorilla Glass surface. This feedback was presented to eight participants in a series of randomized experiments. Both the Nylon mesh and Teflon covering revealed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) impact of improvement to the user performance in the task of dynamic haptic virtual straight lines localization. While Silicone covering, having three times greater friction than Gorilla Glass, has less or no impact on both decision time, the number of task repetitions, and error rate (p > 0.05). The lateral vibration modifier (60 Hz) can also successfully be used with an increase in performance by about twofold, at least that was demonstrated for both the Nylon mesh and Teflon covering.
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Kwiecien SY, McHugh MP, Howatson G. Don't Lose Your Cool With Cryotherapy: The Application of Phase Change Material for Prolonged Cooling in Athletic Recovery and Beyond. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:118. [PMID: 33345107 PMCID: PMC7739598 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Strenuous exercise can result in muscle damage in both recreational and elite athletes, and is accompanied by strength loss, and increases in soreness, oxidative stress, and inflammation. If the aforementioned signs and symptoms associated with exercise-induced muscle damage are excessive or unabated, the recovery process becomes prolonged and can result in performance decrements; consequently, there has been a great deal of research focussing on accelerating recovery following exercise. A popular recovery modality is cryotherapy which results in a reduction of tissue temperature by the withdrawal of heat from the body. Cryotherapy is advantageous because of its ability to reduce tissue temperature at the site of muscle damage. However, there are logistical limitations to traditional cryotherapy modalities, such as cold-water immersion or whole-body cryotherapy, because they are limited by the duration for which they can be administered in a single dose. Phase change material (PCM) at a temperature of 15°C can deliver a single dose of cooling for a prolonged duration in a practical, efficacious, and safe way; hence overcoming the limitations of traditional cryotherapy modalities. Recently, 15°C PCM has been locally administered following isolated eccentric exercise, a soccer match, and baseball pitching, for durations of 3-6 h with no adverse effects. These data showed that using 15°C PCM to prolong the duration of cooling successfully reduced strength loss and soreness following exercise. Extending the positive effects associated with cryotherapy by prolonging the duration of cooling can enhance recovery following exercise and give athletes a competitive advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Y. Kwiecien
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Malachy P. McHugh
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Water Research Group, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Typolt O, Filingeri D. Evidence for the involvement of peripheral cold-sensitive TRPM8 channels in human cutaneous hygrosensation. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 318:R579-R589. [PMID: 31967850 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00332.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to other species, humans are believed to lack hygroreceptors for sensing skin wetness. Yet, the molecular basis of human hygrosensation is currently unknown, and it remains unclear whether we possess a receptor-mediated sensing mechanism for skin wetness. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the cutaneous cold-sensitive transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) channel as a molecular mediator of human hygrosensation. To this end, we exploited both the thermal and chemical activation of TRPM8-expressing cutaneous Aδ cold thermoreceptors, and we assessed wetness sensing in healthy young men in response to 1) dry skin cooling in the TRPM8 range of thermosensitivity and 2) application of the TRPM8 agonist menthol. Our results indicate that 1) independently of contact with moisture, a cold-dry stimulus in the TRPM8 range of activation induced wetness perceptions across 12 different body regions and those wetness perceptions varied across the body following regional differences in cold sensitivity; and 2) independently of skin cooling, menthol-induced stimulation of TRPM8 triggered wetness perceptions that were greater than those induced by physical dry cooling and by contact with an aqueous cream containing actual moisture. For the first time, we show that the cutaneous cold-sensing TRPM8 channel plays the dual role of cold and wetness sensor in human skin and that this ion channel is a peripheral mediator of human skin wetness perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Typolt
- THERMOSENSELAB, Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Davide Filingeri
- THERMOSENSELAB, Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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West AM, Tarrier J, Hodder S, Havenith G. Sweat distribution and perceived wetness across the human foot: the effect of shoes and exercise intensity. ERGONOMICS 2019; 62:1450-1461. [PMID: 31422758 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1657185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates foot sweat distribution with and without shoes and the relationship between foot sweat distribution and perceived wetness to enhance guidance for footwear design. Fourteen females performed low-intensity running with nude feet and low- and high-intensity running with shoes (55%VO2max and 75%VO2max, respectively) on separate occasions. Right foot sweat rates were measured at 14 regions using absorbent material applied during the last 5 min of each work intensity. Perceptual responses were recorded for the body, foot and four foot regions. Foot sweat production was 22% greater nude (p < .001) and with shoes did not increase with exercise intensity (p = .14). Highest sweat rates were observed at the medial ankle and dorsal regions; lowest sweat rates at the toes. Perceptions of wetness and foot discomfort did not correspond with regions of high sweat production or low skin temperature but rather seemed dominated by tactile interactions caused by foot movement within the shoe. Practitioner summary: This study provides a detailed view of foot sweat distribution for female runners with and without shoes, providing important guidance for sock and footwear design. Importantly, perceptions of wetness and foot discomfort did not correspond with areas of high sweat production. Instead tactile interactions between the foot, sock/shoe play an important role. Abbreviations: VO2max: maximal oxygen consumption; HR: heart rate; RH: relative humidity; GSL: gross sweat loss; Nude-I1: without socks and shoes, low intensity running; Shod-I1: with socks and shoes, low intensity running; Shod-I2: with socks and shoes, high intensity running.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M West
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University , Loughborough , UK
| | - James Tarrier
- adidas FUTURE, adidas AG-World of Sports , Herzogenaurach , Germany
| | - Simon Hodder
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University , Loughborough , UK
| | - George Havenith
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University , Loughborough , UK
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Abstract
Humans perceive wetness on contact with a dry-cold material; however, the magnitude of wetness that can be perceived using dynamic touch remains unclear. This study assessed how the type of touch, namely hand movement (either statically or dynamically) and pressing force (either low or high pressure), affect the perception of wetness. The participants judged the magnitude of perceived wetness after four types of touch of four stimuli comprising four fabrics of varying water content and surface temperatures. Overall, the perceived wetness was differed between static and dynamic touch independent of pressure and the participants scored the dry-cold stimulus as relatively dry for dynamic touch. Furthermore, cluster analysis revealed individual differences in the recognition of wetness in dynamic touch conditions. These results revealed the variability in the mechanisms used by humans to perceive wetness. Additionally, we discussed the optimal methods to reproduce the wetness perception using this illusion.
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West AM, Schönfisch D, Picard A, Tarrier J, Hodder S, Havenith G. Shoe microclimate: An objective characterisation and subjective evaluation. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2019; 78:1-12. [PMID: 31046940 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Shoe microclimate (temperature and humidity) has been suggested to contribute to perceptions of foot thermal comfort. However, limited data is available for perceptual responses in relation to shoe microclimate development both over time and within different areas of the shoe. This study evaluates perceptions of foot thermal comfort for two running shoes different in terms of air permeability in relation to temporal and spatial characteristics of shoe microclimate. The temporal characteristics of shoe microclimate development were similar for both shoes assessed. However, higher temperatures and humidity were observed for the less permeable shoe. Changes to shoe microclimate over time and differences between shoes were perceivable by the users. This study provides the most detailed assessment of shoe microclimate in relation to foot thermal comfort to date, providing relevant information for footwear design and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M West
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - D Schönfisch
- Hochschule Kaiserslautern, University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - A Picard
- Hochschule Kaiserslautern, University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - J Tarrier
- adidas FUTURE, adidas AG-World of Sports, Herzogenaurach, Germany
| | - S Hodder
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - G Havenith
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
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Peripheral and central determinants of skin wetness sensing in humans. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 156:83-102. [PMID: 30454611 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63912-7.00005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionarily, our ability to sense skin wetness and humidity (i.e., hygroreception) could have developed as a way of helping to maintain thermal homeostasis, as much as it is the case for the role of temperature sensation and thermoreception. Humans are not provided with a specific skin hygroreceptor, and recent studies have indicated that skin wetness is likely to be centrally processed as a result of the multisensory integration of peripheral inputs from skin thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors coding the biophysical interactions between skin and moisture. The existence of a specific hygrosensation strategy for human wetness perception has been proposed and the first neurophysiologic model of skin wetness sensing has been recently developed. However, while these recent findings have shed light on some of the peripheral and central neural mechanisms underlying wetness sensing, our understanding of how the brain processes the thermal and mechanical inputs that give rise to one of our "most worn" skin sensory experiences is still far from being conclusive. Understanding these neural mechanisms is clinically relevant in the context of those neurologic conditions that are accompanied by somatosensory abnormalities. The present chapter will present the current knowledge on the peripheral and central determinants of skin wetness sensing in humans.
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Filingeri D, Ackerley R. The biology of skin wetness perception and its implications in manual function and for reproducing complex somatosensory signals in neuroprosthetics. J Neurophysiol 2017; 117:1761-1775. [PMID: 28123008 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00883.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Our perception of skin wetness is generated readily, yet humans have no known receptor (hygroreceptor) to signal this directly. It is easy to imagine the sensation of water running over our hands or the feel of rain on our skin. The synthetic sensation of wetness is thought to be produced from a combination of specific skin thermal and tactile inputs, registered through thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors, respectively. The present review explores how thermal and tactile afference from the periphery can generate the percept of wetness centrally. We propose that the main signals include information about skin cooling, signaled primarily by thinly myelinated thermoreceptors, and rapid changes in touch, through fast-conducting, myelinated mechanoreceptors. Potential central sites for integration of these signals, and thus the perception of skin wetness, include the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices and the insula cortex. The interactions underlying these processes can also be modeled to aid in understanding and engineering the mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss the role that sensing wetness could play in precision grip and the dexterous manipulation of objects. We expand on these lines of inquiry to the application of the knowledge in designing and creating skin sensory feedback in prosthetics. The addition of real-time, complex sensory signals would mark a significant advance in the use and incorporation of prosthetic body parts for amputees in everyday life.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Little is known about the underlying mechanisms that generate the perception of skin wetness. Humans have no specific hygroreceptor, and thus temperature and touch information combine to produce wetness sensations. The present review covers the potential mechanisms leading to the perception of wetness, both peripherally and centrally, along with their implications for manual function. These insights are relevant to inform the design of neuroengineering interfaces, such as sensory prostheses for amputees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Filingeri
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom;
| | - Rochelle Ackerley
- Department of Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden; and.,Laboratoire Neurosciences Intégratives et Adaptatives (UMR 7260), Aix Marseille Université-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
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McFarlin BK, Henning AL, Venable AS, Williams RR, Best Sampson JN. A shirt containing multistage phase change material and active cooling components was associated with increased exercise capacity in a hot, humid environment. ERGONOMICS 2016; 59:1019-1025. [PMID: 26472519 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2015.1108460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in clothing design include the incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) and other active cooling components (ACC) to provide better body heat dissipation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of wearing a shirt containing multistage PCM/ACC on exercise capacity at low (5.0), moderate-high (7.5) and extreme (9.0) levels of the physiological strain index (PSI). Fourteen individuals tested two shirts (control vs. cooling) during 45-min of interval running in a hot, humid (35 ± 1 °C; 55 ± 6% RH) environment. The cooling shirt resulted in an 8% improvement in exercise capacity at a PSI of 7.5 (p < 0.05). The observed increase in exercise capacity would likely translate to a significant improvement in exercise performance. More research is needed to determine a best practice approach for the use of cooling clothing as a counter to exercise-induced heat exposure. Practitioner Summary: In this report, we demonstrate that when forced to exercise in a hot, humid environment, an individual's exercise capacity may increase by as much as 8% when wearing a shirt composed of multistage phase change material and active cooling components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K McFarlin
- a Applied Physiology Laboratory , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
- b Department of Biological Sciences , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
| | - Andrea L Henning
- a Applied Physiology Laboratory , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
- b Department of Biological Sciences , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
| | - Adam S Venable
- a Applied Physiology Laboratory , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
- b Department of Biological Sciences , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
| | - Randall R Williams
- a Applied Physiology Laboratory , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
| | - Jill N Best Sampson
- a Applied Physiology Laboratory , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
- b Department of Biological Sciences , University of North Texas , Denton , TX , USA
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12
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Filingeri D, Havenith G. Human skin wetness perception: psychophysical and neurophysiological bases. Temperature (Austin) 2015; 2:86-104. [PMID: 27227008 PMCID: PMC4843859 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2015.1008878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to perceive thermal changes in the surrounding environment is critical for survival. However, sensing temperature is not the only factor among the cutaneous sensations to contribute to thermoregulatory responses in humans. Sensing skin wetness (i.e. hygrosensation) is also critical both for behavioral and autonomic adaptations. Although much has been done to define the biophysical role of skin wetness in contributing to thermal homeostasis, little is known on the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning the ability to sense skin wetness. Humans are not provided with skin humidity receptors (i.e., hygroreceptors) and psychophysical studies have identified potential sensory cues (i.e. thermal and mechanosensory) which could contribute to sensing wetness. Recently, a neurophysiological model of human wetness sensitivity has been developed. In helping clarifying the peripheral and central neural mechanisms involved in sensing skin wetness, this model has provided evidence for the existence of a specific human hygrosensation strategy, which is underpinned by perceptual learning via sensory experience. Remarkably, this strategy seems to be shared by other hygroreceptor-lacking animals. However, questions remain on whether these sensory mechanisms are underpinned by specific neuromolecular pathways in humans. Although the first study on human wetness perception dates back to more than 100 years, it is surprising that the neurophysiological bases of such an important sensory feature have only recently started to be unveiled. Hence, to provide an overview of the current knowledge on human hygrosensation, along with potential directions for future research, this review will examine the psychophysical and neurophysiological bases of human skin wetness perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Filingeri
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Center; Loughborough Design School; Loughborough University; Loughborough, UK
| | - George Havenith
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Center; Loughborough Design School; Loughborough University; Loughborough, UK
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Bergmann Tiest WM. Tactual perception of liquid material properties. Vision Res 2014; 109:178-84. [PMID: 25128819 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, studies into the tactual perception of two liquid material properties, viscosity and wetness, are reviewed. These properties are very relevant in the context of interaction with liquids, both real, such as cosmetics or food products, and simulated, as in virtual reality or teleoperation. Both properties have been the subject of psychophysical characterisation in terms of magnitude estimation experiments and discrimination experiments, which are discussed. For viscosity, both oral and manual perception is discussed, as well as the perception of the viscosity of a mechanical system. For wetness, the relevant cues are identified and factors affecting perception are discussed. Finally, some conclusions are drawn pertaining to both properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter M Bergmann Tiest
- MOVE Research Institute, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.
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Filingeri D, Redortier B, Hodder S, Havenith G. The role of decreasing contact temperatures and skin cooling in the perception of skin wetness. Neurosci Lett 2013; 551:65-9. [PMID: 23886487 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cold sensations are suggested as the primary inducer of the perception of skin wetness. However, limited data are available on the effects of skin cooling. Hence, we investigated the role of peripheral cold afferents in the perception of wetness. Six cold-dry stimuli (producing skin cooling rates in a range of 0.02-0.41°C/s) were applied on the forearm of 9 female participants. Skin temperature and conductance, thermal and wetness perception were recorded. Five out of 9 participants perceived wetness as a result of cold-dry stimuli with cooling rates in a range of 0.14-0.41°C/s, while 4 did not perceive skin wetness at all. Although skin cooling and cold sensations play a role in evoking the perception of wetness, these are not always of a primary importance and other sensory modalities (i.e. touch and vision), as well as the inter-individual variability in thermal sensitivity, might be equally determinant in characterising this perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Filingeri
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.
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Bergmann Tiest WM, Kosters ND, Kappers AM, Daanen HA. Haptic perception of wetness. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2012; 141:159-63. [PMID: 22964056 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In daily life, people interact with textiles of different degrees of wetness, but little is known about the mechanics of wetness perception. This paper describes an experiment with six conditions regarding haptic discrimination of the wetness of fabrics. Three materials were used: cotton wool, sponge-structured viscose and thin viscose. Two ways of touching were investigated: static touching, in which only thermal cues were available, and dynamic touching, in which additional mechanical cues were available. For dynamic touching, average Weber fractions for discrimination were around 0.3, whereas for static touching, they ranged from 0.34 to 0.63. The results show that people can make use of the additional mechanical cues to significantly improve their discrimination performance. There was no significant difference between Weber fractions for the three materials, showing that wetness can be judged as a separate perceptual quantity, independent of the material.
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