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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
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Published on: January 20, 2019
The Relationship between Physical Function and Postural Sway during Local Vibratory Stimulation of Middle-aged People
Tadashi Ito1, Yoshihito Sakai2, Akira Kubo3
1Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Health Science, Graduate School of International University of Health and Welfare, Japan ; National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan.
Abstract:
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical function and postural sway during local vibratory stimulation of middle-aged subjects in an upright position. [Subjects] The subjects were 25 healthy community-dwelling middle-aged people. [Methods] We measured postural sway using a Wii board while vibratory stimulations of 30, 60, or 240 Hz were applied to the subjects' lumbar multifidus or gastrocnemius muscles. Physical function was evaluated by 5-m usual gait speed and grip strength. [Results] Gait speed was strongly correlated to the anteroposterior body sway in the upright position during 30 Hz gastrocnemius muscles vibration (GMV). [Conclusion] Postural sway during 30 Hz GMV was strongly associated with gait speed and showed a posterior displacement. These findings show that the lower leg's response to balance control under 30 Hz proprioceptive stimulation might be a good indicator of declining gait function.
