Human factors validation and acceptability of Gentle Touch Stimulator
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Missing Touch 1: Human factors validation and acceptability testing of a neuro-engineered C-tactile stimulation device.
IRAS ID
303457
Contact name
Mark Turner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 0 days
Research summary
Our team have developed a mattress topper, consisting of rubber tubes attached side to side that are deflated and inflated, mimicking dynamic touch and optimal CT stimulation (3cm/s). It is connected to a microprocessor control unit and a vacuum supply (700 - 900 mb). By controlling the interval between the vacuum applied to each tube in the device it generates a flow sequence as each tube relaxes back to its original state. This will feel like a stroking across the skin- but non-frictional, thereby minimising the risk of friction related skin damage. \n\nThe device is placed on top of a standard mattress in a neonatal cot. It has been manufactured in line with European Union (EU) safety requirements. It has been calibrated to mimic optimal CT fibre activation 3cm/s, in line with previous touch intervention studies (Gursul et al., 2018; Manzotti et al., 2019). The device is made from silicone and is fully waterproof. A cleaning protocol will be implemented between each use for infection control. The waterproof sheet will be covered by a standard cot sheet.\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
22/NS/0083
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion