Autonomic regulation via dermal vibrotactile triggering of piezoelectric channels: an emerging nonmedication approach to symptom relief

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) maintains homeostatic balance of the body by controlling involuntary physiological functions such as body temperature. While the brain’s hypothalamus and brainstem are primary brain areas that control the ANS, its limbic system is involved in emotional reactions such as anxiety and excitement, which can impart an effect on autonomic responses such as heart rate and blood pressure. Meanwhile, Piezo ion channels enable interpretation of sensory information conveyed through the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) to be communicated between neurons in the brain, and also bidirectionally between the brain and the PNS [1,2]. Piezo channels allow electrical current to pass through them. In this way, ion channels enable neurons (nerve cells) to communicate with each other, so that the brain’s neural networks can properly function [3]. TRP ion channels stimulate neuronal cellular responses, while Piezo channels open in response to mechanical stimuli, so an interrelationship exists between them. Haptic technology creates a sense of touch using vibration, motion, and other forces and has been gaining popularity in medical arenas since the 1980s-1990s. Haptic stimulation is currently being used as a noninvasive treatment for adults living with diverse neurodegenerative disorders. For adults post-stroke or TBI (who often have resulting sensory deficits), haptic stimulation is used as a rehab approach to promote sensory retraining [4]. For people with Parkinson’s disease, vibrotactile stimulation at gamma frequency has been shown to lessen cognitive decline and improve motor function [5], and haptic stimulation has also been found to attenuate AD symptoms. Mental health disorders have been another focus as a potential for therapeutic haptic sensory stimulation, as well as VR devices with vibrotactile platforms. Haptic Vibrotactile Trigger Technology (VTT) prompts a sensory response by using electrical current-producing vibrations to stimulate the skin’s mechano-receptors and is communicated via the PNS to the brain. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted to evaluate haptic technology for sleep disorders, anxiety, stress, depression, pain, and athletic performance. Methods Subjects (n=319) were provided a non-drug topical patch with VTT or placebo patch without VTT. Over 14 days, responses to validated scales and data captured from functional measurements evaluated the safety and efficacy of the VTT patch and changes in sleep, insomnia. fatigue, pain, and athletic performance. Results Outcomes demonstrated statistically significant reductions (p< 0.001) of insomnia, fatigue, night time awakenings, including improvement in sleep, decreases in anxiety, stress, depression, pain severity and interference, improvement of balance and stability, and improved athletic strength and performance. Indications also indicate an ANS response such as lowering heart rate and/or blood pressure Conclusions The bi-directional sensory communication promoted by VTT utilization may be able to boost the functioning of the piezoelectric channels. Evolving VTT treatments may be beneficial in people with diminished functioning of their piezoelectric channels and considered as part of a multi-modal treatment approach.

References

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