Muscle-based Perception in Peripheral Neuropathy

Mechano-receptors decline with age and certain illnesses, leaving individuals with reduced awareness of their bodies and of the surfaces and objects they are in contact with. This neuropathy results in the loss or partial loss of sensitivity in touch and the muscle sense, with unknown consequences for everyday functionality (manipulating objects, using tools, maintaining posture). This project is directed at discovering the functional impact of peripheral neuropathy on muscle-based perception and at identifying strategies for the remediation of impairments. This includes developing a clinical tool for assessing the status of muscle-based perception, which may help in the early detection of those at risk of future physical disability. Our research uses advances in dynamic touch to assess and improve the functionality of actions by persons with neuropathy. It draws also on measurement techniques from dynamic touch (inertial dependencies, perceptual independence) as well as postural control technique developed in the dynamical analyses of posture.