Restoration of natural thermal sensation in upper-limb amputees

Abstract

The use of hands for gathering rich sensory information is essential for proper interaction with the environment; therefore, the restoration of sensation is critical for reestablishing the sense of embodiment in hand amputees. Here, we show that a noninvasive wearable device can be used to provide thermal sensations on amputees’ phantom hands. The device delivers thermal stimuli to specific regions of skin on their residual limb. These sensations were phenomenologically similar to those on the intact limbs and were stable over time. Using the device, the subjects could successfully exploit the thermal phantom hand maps to detect and discriminate different thermal stimuli. The use of a wearable device that provides thermal sensation can increase the sense of embodiment and improve life quality in hand amputees.

Editor’s summary

Recent advances in prosthesis development for upper-limb amputees have shown that it is possible to restore touch sensation using different approaches. However, current technologies do not allow the restoration of thermal sensation. To provide upper-limb amputees with a more natural feeling, Iberite et al . developed a noninvasive wearable device able to restore thermal sensation by delivering thermal stimuli in sensitive areas of the residual limb. Using this approach, they were able to elicit thermal phantom sensations. The amputees were able to discern different thermal stimuli reliably and consistently. The restoration of thermal sensation, in combination with existing technologies, will contribute to providing a close-to-natural experience in prosthesis users. —Mattia Maroso

Abstract

A wearable device can provide stable thermal sensation that is phenomenologically like natural sensations in hand amputees.