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Tactile directional sensitivity and postural control
Helena Backlund Wasling1, Ulf Norrsell, Karin Göthner
1Department of Physiology, Göteborg University, Sweden. helena.backlund@physiol.gu.se
Experimental Brain Research
|September 7, 2005
Summary
This study reveals that skin stretch information significantly improves postural control on both hairy and glabrous skin. Spatiotemporal information, however, only aids balance on glabrous skin, highlighting differential tactile sensory contributions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Human Sensory Systems
Background:
- Tactile directional sensitivity is crucial for balance and can indicate somatosensory deficits.
- This sensitivity relies on spatiotemporal cues and skin stretch information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the roles of spatiotemporal and skin stretch information in postural control.
- To investigate these roles on both glabrous (fingertip) and hairy (forearm) skin.
Main Methods:
- Subjects stood on stable or foam surfaces, receiving tactile (air-stream, glued rod) or visual stimuli.
- Postural sway (amplitude and path) was measured with and without stimuli.
- Directional sensitivity to an air-stream stimulus was assessed on glabrous and hairy skin.
Main Results:
- An air-stream (spatiotemporal) reduced sway on glabrous but not hairy skin, correlating with directional sensitivity.
- A glued rod (skin stretch) reduced sway on both skin types, indicating high afferent sensitivity.
- Both tactile stimuli reduced sway amplitude more than sway path, unlike visual cues.
Conclusions:
- Skin stretch information is vital for postural stability across different skin types.
- Spatiotemporal information's contribution to balance is skin-dependent.
- Impaired directional sensitivity may lead to reduced postural stability in individuals.