Thermal effects upon human vibratory sensitivity

Vibrotactile sensitivity is measured using a "dry" procedure as opposed to a "wet" procedure previously used. Thresholds are determined using 40 Hz and 160 Hz stimuli across seven temperatures ranging from 20°C to 44°C. Twelve male subjects participated in each of four sessions, producing a high degree of reliability. Results indicate that vibrotactile sensitivity increases with temperatures above 32°C and decreases at temperatures below 32°C; thresholds represent similar functions for both high and low frequency vibrotactile receptor populations. Concerns with previous studies are discussed. Implications are made with regard to future work in the area regarding skin pigmentation and subject age.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Department dc:contributor.department

Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1979

Author dc:creator

• Gundersheimer, Jerome Edward

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/76008

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/76008