PhD Courses in Denmark

Welcome to Advanced cutaneous stimulation

Program: BEN

Description: 

In neuroscience, probing of the sensory nervous system often rely on the use of various types of stimuli. Often these stimuli are directed to the skin, thus investigating the cutaneous senses. There are several reasons for choosing cutaneous stimuli, over other somato-sensory senses, or more invasive stimuli, one of which being simplificity, but there are other advantages of cutaneous stimuli which will be introduced. However, there are also several aspects new users must be aware of when using cutaneous stimuli to obtain valid results.

For research, and in aspects also clinically, a variety of different stimulation methods have been developed. These different methods allow the tested of different neural mechanism and fiber populations. However, each method is also associated with some potential pitfalls

In this course a variety of cutaneous stimulation methods will be introduced and used experimentally. The pros and cons of each method will be discussed and the attention points to ensure valid use, will be explained.

This course will consist of classroom lectures as well as practical laboratory workshops.

The following types of stimuli will be introduced during this course:

·         Nerve fiber specific electrical stimulation

·         Mechanical (von Frey, pinprick)

·         Vibrotactile

·         Thermal stimuli (thermode, laser)

·         Spatial discrimination tasks, like the 2-point discrimination

Due to the experimental workshops, this course is limited to 15 participants.

Prerequisites: 

None

Form of evaluation:

Evaluation by written report. Passed/fail.

Key literature: 

Notes, literature and exercise instruction will be distributed at the course

Organizer: Associate Professor Steffen Frahm email: ksf@hst.aau.dk

Lecturers: 

Associate Professor Steffen Frahm

Associate Professor Carsten Dahl Mørch

Assistant Professor Silvia Lo Vecchio

Associate Professor Saba Gervasio, saba@hst.aau.dk

ECTS: 1.5

Time: 26 May, 4 and 11 June 2025 (08.15-12.00)

Place: Aalborg University, Selma Lagerløfs Vej 249, 9260 Gistrup, room 11.00.034

Zip code: 9220

City: Aalborg

Maximal number of participants: 15

Deadline: 5 May 2025