Effects of electrical noise to a knee joint on quiet bipedal stance and treadmill walking

The present study assessed whether an unperceivable, noise-like electrical stimulation of a knee joint enhances the stability of quiet bipedal stance and treadmill walking in young subjects. The results showed that the slow postural sway measures in quiet bipedal stance were significantly reduced by the electrical noise (P<0.05). In the treadmill walking, low frequency component (below 1 Hz) of mediolateral acceleration, measured at the third lumbar vertebra, significantly decreased with the electrical noise (P<0.05), while there were no changes in the anteroposterior and vertical directions. These results indicate that the electrical noise to a knee joint can be applied to enhance postural control in quiet bipedal stance and treadmill walking.