Pervasive Computing Paradigms for Mental Health. 7th International Conference, MindCare 2018, Boston, MA, USA, January 9–10, 2018, Proceedings

Research Article

iStim. A New Portable Device for Interoceptive Stimulation

Download
362 downloads
  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-030-01093-5_6,
        author={Daniele Di Lernia and Giuseppe Riva and Pietro Cipresso},
        title={iStim. A New Portable Device for Interoceptive Stimulation},
        proceedings={Pervasive Computing Paradigms for Mental Health. 7th International Conference, MindCare 2018,  Boston, MA, USA, January 9--10, 2018, Proceedings},
        proceedings_a={MINDCARE},
        year={2018},
        month={10},
        keywords={Interoception Interoceptive stimulation C-Touch C-fibers Affective touch},
        doi={10.1007/978-3-030-01093-5_6}
    }
    
  • Daniele Di Lernia
    Giuseppe Riva
    Pietro Cipresso
    Year: 2018
    iStim. A New Portable Device for Interoceptive Stimulation
    MINDCARE
    Springer
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-01093-5_6
Daniele Di Lernia1,*, Giuseppe Riva,*, Pietro Cipresso,*
  • 1: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
*Contact email: daniele.dilernia@unicatt.it, giuseppe.riva@unicatt.it, p.cipresso@auxologico.it

Abstract

The sense of the physiological condition of the entire organism (i.e. interoception) represents a fundamental perception that serves a correct and balanced functioning of the human body. Interoceptive information constitutes a core element in a variety of psycho-physiological systems and processes; therefore the possibility to consistently stimulate the interoceptive system with specifically targeted inputs has a fundamental value both in assessing and clinical settings. The article illustrates a new technological portable device able to delivered precise interoceptive parasympathetic stimuli to C-T afferents connected to the lamina I spinothalamocortical system. Interoceptive stimuli can be programmed in a variety of parameters, ranging from continuous stimulation to modulation of frequency and variance. Implications and possible applications are discussed in both assessing protocols and clinical treatments as well.