Vibrotactile stimulation on the upper back requires stronger vibration during goal-directed reaching but does not impede reaching performance

Abstract

Vibrotactile stimulation is a promising method of biofeedback, with potential applications for ergonomic posture and balance, rehabilitation, and motor learning. These applications require balancing tactile perception with motor performance and cognitive workload. In this study, participants performed a detection task, a reaching task, and a concurrent reach-and-detect task, with vibrotactile signals delivered on the hand or upper back. Sensitivity to stimuli, motor performance, and cognitive workload were compared for each task. Sensitivity was suppressed during movement, but this suppression was greater on hand compared to the upper back. Movement time was slowed by vibration on the hand but not the upper back. Mental workload and task complexity increased for the reach-and-detect task compared to the individual tasks. We conclude that vibrotactile feedback devices worn on the upper back do not impede motor performance, with only minor tactile suppression. This could be overcome by presenting highly salient or personalized feedback.