title: The effect of hair density on the coupling between the tactor and the skin of the human head.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hair density on vibration detection thresholds associated with the perception of low frequency vibration stimuli applied to the head. A host of tactile sensitivity information exists for other parts of the body, however the same information is lacking for the head. Thirty-three college students, age 18-35, were recruited for the study. A mixed design was used to evaluate the effect of hair density, head location, and frequency on vibration detection thresholds. Results suggest that hair density might slightly impede vibration signals from reaching the scalp and reduce vibration sensitivity, for the least sensitive locations on the head. This research provides design recommendations for head-mounted tactile displays for women and those with hair that can be used to convey directional cues for navigation and as alerts to critical events in the environment.
authors: U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Human Research & Engineering Directorate, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005, USA. Electronic address: kim.myles@us.army.mil.
authors: Kimberly
authors: K
authors: Myles
authors: U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Human Research & Engineering Directorate, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005, USA. Electronic address: joel.kalb@us.army.mil.
authors: Joel T
authors: JT
authors: Kalb
authors: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA. Electronic address: janea.lowery@gmail.com.
authors: Janea
authors: J
authors: Lowery
authors: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA. Electronic address: bheem.kattel@morgan.edu.
authors: Bheem P
authors: BP
authors: Kattel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012535:Scalp / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014110:Touch; D014732:Vibration; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Head tactile display; Tactile sensitivity; Vibrotactile detection on scalp