Proximally applied subsensory electrical noise stimulation reduces variance in action potential timing and enhances sensory perception

Abstract

Loss of somatosensory function is detrimental to quality of life and is related to the loss of functional ability. Restoring sensitivity would have great potential in medicine. Previous work has demonstrated that the application of subsensory electrical noise can enhance sensitivity to a distal mechanical stimulus. In this paper we aimed to uncover the mechanism behind this enhancement. Two studies were performed, a microneurography study to investigate the effect of noise on action potential timing and a second psychophysics study to establish the effect of noise on sensory perception. We found that variance in action potential timing in response to a repetitive mechanical stimulus was reduced with an appropriate level of electrical noise. This phenomenon corresponds with an enhancement of sensory perception and reduced variability in a perceptual task.