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Enhancing the static stability of older adults: A study on foot sole vibration intensities and locations
Yunqi Tang1, Peiyao Liang2, Pui Wah Kong3
1College of Art and Design, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
Background:
Falls are a major public health concern for older adults, driven by age-related declines in somatosensory feedback which is critical for postural stability. Plantar vibratory stimulation may enhance balance, yet the optimal parameters remain unclear.
Research Question:
How may different foot sole vibration intensities and locations improve static stability in older adults?
Methods:
Eighteen healthy older adults (aged 66.6 ± 3.1 years) received mechanical vibrations at 0 %, 90 %, and 130 % of their sensory threshold, applied to the forefoot & heel (F&H) and midfoot (MF) of both feet, in eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions. Static stability was assessed using center of pressure (COP) metrics, including sway velocity, average sway amplitude, and sway area in the anterior-posterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions.
Results:
Compared to 0 %, both 90 % and 130 % intensities significantly reduced total sway velocity, AP sway velocity, ML sway velocity, and AP sway amplitude (p < 0.05) in the EO condition. In the EC condition, these effects persisted (p < 0.05), with the additional benefits of reduced ML sway amplitude and total sway area (p < 0.05), and no consistent differences between locations (F&H vs. MF).
Significance:
Moderate vibration intensities enhance static stability across different foot sole locations, suggesting that footwear and insoles incorporating vibration may serve as potential strategies for fall prevention among older adults.
