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Electrical stimulation of sensory nerves with skin electrodes for research, diagnosis, communication and behavioral conditioning: A survey

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Abstract

When electrical current is passed through the body by means of electrodes applied to the skin, sensory nerves can be stimulated. This results in sensations that vary from barely perceivable to highly unpleasant. Such electrocutaneous stimulation of sensory nerves has been studied by engineers, neurologists, physiologists and psychologists, who have investigated the interrelationship between the physical parameters of the electrical stimulus and the psychological effect that it evokes, have used electrical stimulation to study the nervous system and its pathologies and have tried to use cutaneous stimulation as a communication medium. Despite a large number of publications reporting the results of this research, certain basic questions still remain unanswered.

Sommaire

Quand le courant électrique passe à travers le corps au moyen d'électrodes cutanées les nerfs sensoriels peuvent être stimulés. Cela provoque des sensations qui vont de la simple perception aux sensations extrêmement désagréables. Une telle stimulation électro-cutanée des nerfs sensoriels a été étudiée par des ingénieurs, des neurologues, des physiologues et des psychologues: ils ont recherché les relations entre les paramètres physiques du stimulus électrique et l'effet psychologique qu'il évoque; ils ont utilisé la stimulation électrique pour étudier le système nerveux et sa pathologie, et ont essayé d'utiliser la stimulation cutanée en tant que moyen de communication. Bien du'un grand nombre de publications aient exposé les résultats de cette recherche, certaines questions de base restent encore sans réponse.

Zusammenfassung

Wenn elektrischer Strom mit auf der Haut angebrachten Elektroden durch den Körper geleitet wird, können sensible Nerven gereizt werden. Die damit verbundenen Empfindungen reichen vom kaum Wahrnehmbaren bis zum sehr Unangenehmen. Solche elektrokutane Reizung von sensiblen Nerven wurde von Ingenieuren, Neurologen, Physiologen und Psychologen untersucht. Diese studierten die Beziehungen zwischen den physikalischen Parametern des elektrischen Reizes und dem erzeugten psychologischen Effekt. Elektrische Reizung wurde zur Untersuchung des Nervensystems und seiner Pathologie eingesetzt. Man versuchte auch, die Hautreizung als Kommunikationsmittel zu verwenden. Trotz der großen Zahl von Veröffentlichungen mit Forschungsergebnissen bleiben bestimmte grundlegende Fragen noch immer offen.

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  1. Erich A. Pfeiffer

    Present address: Western Research Support Center, VA Hospital, Sepulveda, California

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  1. Southern Research Support Center, U.S. Veterans Administration, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

    Erich A. Pfeiffer

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Pfeiffer, E.A. Electrical stimulation of sensory nerves with skin electrodes for research, diagnosis, communication and behavioral conditioning: A survey. Med. & biol. Engng. 6, 637–651 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02474726

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