Applying Supra- or Sub-Threshold Plantar Vibrations Increases the Toe Clearance While Stepping over an Obstacle

This study aimed to investigate the effect of plantar vibrations on obstacle negotiation. Nineteen healthy young adults were randomly instructed to step over an obstacle without, with sub-, or with supra-threshold vibration via three vibrotactile tactors. The spatial-temporal gait parameters, the lower extremity joint angles, the foot integrated pressure, and the foot integrated area were recorded. Results indicated that sub-threshold and supra-threshold vibration increased the toe clearance of both leading leg and trailing legs. Additionally, the vibrations also increased the foot integrate pressure and the hip angels during toe clearance on both sides. These findings were devoted to the further understanding of the processes underlying motor control when plantar sensation was manipulated. These observations could further be used for developing a rehabilitation protocol for patients who suffered the loss or deterioration of the somatosensory system.