From input to output in the somatosensory system for natural air-puff stimulation of the skin.

We have demonstrated in this review that the air-puff is a useful tool for combined psychophysical and neurophysiological studies of skin sensation. The major disadvantage of the previous air-puff stimulation techniques can be overcome with our air-puff system, because rigorous control of physical parameters such as velocity and force has been achieved, and synchronous activation of mechanoreceptors is now possible. It is hoped that this technique of skin stimulation will be widely used, not only by basic scientists in the field of sensory physiology, but also by clinicians who are involved in testing skin sensation during induced local anesthesia [24], or in various neurological diseases affecting skin sensation. It has the major advantage of being completely non-invasive.