Innovative Compact Vibrational System with Custom GUI for Modulating Trunk Proprioception Using Individualized Vibration Parameters
Date
2025-10-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Bioengineering
Abstract
Conventional vibrational systems associated with proprioception are mostly equipped with a single standard frequency and amplitude. This feature often fails to show kinesthetic illusion on different subjects, as different individuals respond to different frequencies and amplitudes. Additionally, different muscle groups may also require the flexibility of frequencies and amplitudes. We developed a custom vibrational system that is equipped with flexible frequency and amplitude, adapted to a custom graphical user interface (GUI). Based on the user’s criteria, the proposed vibrational system enables a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes that can be swept under a single platform. In addition, the system uses small linear actuators that are wearable and attach to the subject without the need for restrictive straps. The vibrational system was used to model trunk proprioceptive impairment associated with low back pain. Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It is mostly associated with impaired postural control of the trunk. For postural control, the somatosensory system transmits proprioceptive (position sense) information from the sensors in the skin, joints, muscles, and tendons. Proprioceptive studies on trunk muscles have been conducted where the application of vibration at a set amplitude and frequency across all participants resulted in altered proprioception and a kinesthetic illusion, but not in all individuals. To assess the feasibility of the system, we manipulated the trunk proprioception of five subjects, demonstrating that the vibrational system is capable of modulating trunk proprioception and the value of customizing parameters of the system to obtain maximal deficits from individual subjects.
Description
This article was originally published in Bioengineering. The version of record is available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12101088
© 2025 by the authors.Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by/4.0/).
Keywords
vibrational system, proprioception, kinesthetic illusion, actuator, spinal injury
Citation
Mandal D, Gilliam JR, Silfies SP, Banerjee S. Innovative Compact Vibrational System with Custom GUI for Modulating Trunk Proprioception Using Individualized Vibration Parameters. Bioengineering. 2025; 12(10):1088. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12101088