Albert F. Yang, MD
Credit: University of Michigan Medical School
A groundbreaking wearable artificial intelligence-enabled haptic feedback sensor may offer a non-pharmacological solution to reduce nighttime scratching in patients with mild atopic dermatitis. According to recent research, this innovative technology could provide a much-needed alternative to traditional treatments like topical corticosteroids.
“With the integration of a haptic motor, this closed-loop wearable was tested in patients with mild atopic dermatitis who reported moderate or severe scratching to evaluate its ability to reduce nocturnal scratching,” explained Dr. Albert F. Yang and his team.
Haptic Feedback Sensor: Analysis and Early Results
Previous studies focused on developing a scratch detection algorithm, incorporating a haptic motor into a wearable device, and choosing the ideal vibratory feedback pattern. Now, researchers have conducted a detailed analysis to test this technology under controlled conditions.
Ten healthy adults participated in the initial phase of the study. Each participant wore a sensor on the dorsal side of their hand and was instructed to scratch five common atopic dermatitis regions, including the cheek, back of the hand, inner elbow, neck, and posterior knee, for five seconds. This action was repeated ten times with five-second intervals, followed by five non-scratching activities.
To assess the effectiveness of the haptic feedback, participants were asked to report whether they felt a haptic response after each action.
In the second phase, ten adults with diagnosed mild atopic dermatitis were involved in a two-week study. To ensure accurate baseline measurements, the haptic feedback was disabled for the first week, and then enabled for the second. The team evaluated various scratching behaviors, including the number of scratch events and total and hourly duration of scratching.
Significant Reduction in Nighttime Scratching
The study included six female participants with an average age of 36 years. All participants had a Validated Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA) score ranging from 0 to 2, indicating clear to mild atopic dermatitis.
Notably, when haptic feedback was enabled, the average scratch duration per hour of sleep opportunity decreased by 50%, from 15.8 seconds to 7.9 seconds (P = .01). This significant reduction occurred without affecting participants’ overall sleep duration.
“This study describes the application of a wearable sensor with the ability to notify users of scratching behavior via biofeedback,” the researchers noted. “This technology may serve as a standalone or, more likely, a supportive therapeutic device for decreasing scratching behavior in patients with mild atopic dermatitis who may not meet the criteria for systemic therapy or prefer to avoid topical corticosteroids.”
The study highlights the potential of haptic feedback technology in managing atopic dermatitis symptoms without disrupting sleep, offering a promising alternative for patients seeking non-pharmacological treatment options.
Conclusion
This innovative wearable device with AI-powered haptic feedback shows significant promise in reducing nighttime scratching for individuals with mild atopic dermatitis. By providing a non-invasive, non-pharmacological option, this technology could enhance the quality of life for many patients who struggle with this condition.
As researchers continue to develop and test this technology, it holds the potential to transform the way we manage atopic dermatitis, offering new hope and relief for those affected by this common skin disorder.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting advancement in skincare technology.
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