The efficacy of plantar stimulation on human balance control

Somatosens Mot Res. 2015;32(3):200-5. doi: 10.3109/08990220.2015.1054025. Epub 2015 Aug 18.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the body sway using firm, foam, and firm textured surfaces on 17 young adults.

Method: Displacement of center of pressure (CoP), anteroposterior velocity (VA/P), and mediolateral velocity (VM/L) were measured.

Data: The data showed a significant decrease of CoP, VA/P, and VM/L between support surfaces and vision.

Results: The results showed that, differently from the firm and foam, the textured surface is able to increase the plantar feedback to maintaining postural control.

Keywords: Plantar mechanoceptors; postural control; textured surface.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Feedback, Sensory
  • Female
  • Foot / innervation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Posture*
  • Pressure
  • Proprioception / physiology*
  • Young Adult