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Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Effects of nanotechnology-based devices on postural control in healthy subjects
Giovanna Malchiodi Albedi1, Stefano Corna1, Valentina Aspesi1
1Unit of Rehabilitation, Research Lab of Biomechanics and Rehabilitation, S. Giuseppe Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy.
Background:
The aim of the present preliminary randomized controlled study was to ascertain whether the use of newly developed nanotechnologies-based patches can influence posture control of healthy subjects.
Methods:
Thirty healthy female subjects (age 39.4 years, BMI 22.74 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to two groups: one with active patches and a control group with sham patches. Two patches were applied with a tape: one on the subject's sternum and the other on the C7 apophysis. Body sway during quiet upright stance was recorded with a dynamometric platform. Each subject was tested under two visual conditions, eyes open and closed. We used a blocked stratified randomization procedure conducted by a third party.
Results:
Subjects wearing the sham patches showed a significant increase of the center of pressure sway area after 4 hours when they performed the habitual moderate-intensity work activities. In the active patch group, a decrease of the sway path was evident, providing evidence of an enhanced balance control.
Conclusions:
Our preliminary findings on healthy subjects indicate that nanotechnological devices generating ultra-low electromagnetic fields can improve posture control.
