Sensory electrical stimulation and postural balance: a comprehensive review
1Laboratoire Mouvement, Equilibre, Performance et Santé, EA 4445, Département STAPS, Université de Pau et des Pays de L'Adour/E2S, ZA Bastillac Sud, 65000, Tarbes, France. thierry.paillard@univ-pau.fr.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|August 5, 2021
Summary
Sensory electrical stimulation (SES) can improve postural balance in patients across immediate, acute, and chronic applications. Further research is needed to confirm effects in healthy individuals and optimize stimulation parameters.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Sensory electrical stimulation (SES) uses low-intensity currents to enhance postural balance.
- The precise application methods and neurophysiological effects of SES require further elucidation.
- Understanding SES is crucial for optimizing its use in clinical and research settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the effects of SES on postural balance.
- To investigate the immediate, acute, and chronic applications of SES.
- To explore the neurophysiological underpinnings of SES-induced balance improvements.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Studies analyzed included immediate/concurrent, acute, and chronic applications of SES.
- Postural balance measurements were assessed before and after SES interventions.
Main Results:
- SES demonstrated improvements in postural balance across all application types, particularly in pathological populations.
- Beneficial effects were observed at peripheral, spinal, and supra-spinal levels.
- Limited data exists for healthy subjects, and comparative studies on stimulation characteristics are scarce.
Conclusions:
- SES is effective for reinforcing or restoring postural function in pathological populations through various application methods.
- Further studies are warranted to validate SES effects in healthy individuals.
- Future research should investigate optimal stimulation parameters and characteristics for SES.
