“Tactile acuity is the ability to precisely feel the location and quality of touch on the body,” Dr Harvie said.
“This sensory impairment has shown to correspond to changes in the area of the brain that processes information from the body (and) it has been proposed that re-training tactile acuity might reduce pain by reversing these changes.”
The iTAD is a device that delivers vibro-tactile impulses through 12 nodes, imbedded in a wearable strap and is designed to create greater visibility when treating pain.
“New science suggests that changes in the nervous system can be a key cause and the iTAD can help identify and treat those changes in the nervous system,” Dr Harvie said.
“Using our wirelessly connected tablet, clinicians like physiotherapists can measure how accurately patients can perceive sensations and they can identify people who might benefit from sensory training using the device.”
Not only does the iTAD provide an interface for sensory testing and training games while offering feedback to patients and therapists, but it is also more efficient than its alternatives.
“The iTAD fills a real gap in the management of a massive problem and it does so in a way that is really, really practical,” Dr Harvie said.