RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Studies Into Touch in Healthy Humans to Provide Sensory Feedback in Prostheses

This study aims to understand our sense of touch better, especially how nerves in our skin respond to different sensations. The main goal is to use this knowledge to improve artificial limbs, making them feel more natural for people who have lost a limb. Researchers will explore how we feel different textures, how our emotions affect what we feel, and how our sense of touch changes with temperature. They also want to understand why we feel humidity and how our sense of touch changes as we get older. By learning more about how our body sends touch signals to the brain, they hope to create prosthetics that can ‘feel’ the world around them, offering a much more complete experience for users.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France

Enrolment target

210

Start

15 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

02 Nov 2034

Somatosensory Disorders Amputation Tactile Disorders Aging Prosthesis User

What is this study about?

Our sense of touch is incredibly important for exploring the world and enjoying everyday life. It relies on tiny sensors in our skin that send signals to our brain, telling us about textures, temperatures, and pressures. When someone loses a limb, for example, through amputation, they lose these important touch signals from that part of their body. While artificial limbs have become very advanced, making them feel truly natural can be challenging because they often lack the ability to provide detailed touch feedback.

This research project, called TACTHUM, is focused on understanding the very basic ways our touch sensors work. Researchers want to learn exactly how nerves in our skin react to different things we touch. This includes understanding how we feel different textures, how our mood might change what we feel, and even why we feel humidity. They also want to see how our sense of touch changes as we get older and to study the touch signals coming from the remaining limb after an amputation.

The main reason for doing all this research is to use the knowledge to make artificial limbs much better. By figuring out how our natural sense of touch works, scientists hope to build prosthetics that can send similar realistic touch signals back to the brain. Imagine an artificial hand that could truly feel the smoothness of a glass or the warmth of a mug – this study aims to take us closer to that reality, making prosthetics feel more like a natural part of the body.

Key takeaways

This study explores how our sense of touch works at a very basic level.
The findings aim to make artificial limbs feel more natural and responsive.
Participation involves careful measurements of nerve activity in response to touch.
It could lead to significant improvements for people with prosthetics in the future.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.
It's safe and carefully supervised by medical professionals.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women between the ages of 20 and 70. You'll need to be covered by a health insurance scheme and be able to sit still and calmly for up to four hours during the study. If you have an arm or leg amputation, you might be eligible for a specific part of the study, as long as your amputation happened more than two years ago.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to take part. This includes if you have certain nerve conditions like diabetes-related nerve damage or Raynaud's disease, or if you have ongoing muscle or nerve pain. You also can't participate if you have a history of neurological or mental health issues, or if you've ever had epilepsy. For safety reasons, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those who have given birth in the last year, cannot join.

Other reasons you might not be suitable include being afraid of needles, currently having skin treatment, or having a pacemaker. It's also vital that you can understand the study information and sign the consent form yourself. If you are under legal protection or guardianship, you won't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 20 and 70 years old?
Are you covered by a social security or health scheme?
Can you sit calmly for up to four hours?
Do you have an arm or leg amputation that happened more than two years ago (if interested in that specific part of the study)?
Do you have any nerve conditions, a pacemaker, or are you pregnant/breastfeeding?
Are you able to understand the study information and sign consent yourself?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to visit the research centre. During these visits, researchers will use a special technique called microneurography. This involves carefully inserting a very fine needle near a nerve to listen to the electrical signals it sends. Don't worry, this procedure is done very carefully by trained professionals. You will also be asked to touch different surfaces with specific textures and temperatures to see how your nerves react. The scientists will also measure other body responses and your feelings. Each session could last up to four hours, and the total duration of your participation will depend on which parts of the study you are involved in.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us better understand how our sense of touch works, which could lead to significant improvements in artificial limbs for people worldwide. While the microneurography technique is generally safe, there is a small risk of discomfort or bruising at the needle site, and potentially a very small risk of temporary nerve irritation. You will be fully informed about these risks before starting, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

CNRS - Aix-Marseille University UMR7291
Verified postcode
Marseille, France· Recruiting
Hôpital HIA Lavéran
Verified postcode
Marseille, France· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is microneurography?

It's a special way to listen to the electrical signals from individual nerves using a very fine needle, helping scientists understand how your nerves respond to touch.

Will this study help me directly?

While you won't receive immediate benefits, your participation will greatly help advance our understanding of touch, which could lead to better artificial limbs in the future.

How long will I need to be at the research centre?

Each session can last up to four hours. The total time involvement depends on which specific parts of the study you join.

Can I eat or drink before my appointment?

The study team will give you specific instructions about eating and drinking before your session, so please follow their guidance.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the study?

You are absolutely free to stop participating at any point if you feel uncomfortable or for any other reason. Your comfort and safety are a priority.

How to find out more

Rochelle Ackerley, PhD

rochelle.ackerley@univ-amu.fr 0033413550888 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.