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The plantar sole is a 'dynamometric map' for human balance control
A Kavounoudias1, R Roll, J P Roll
1Laboratoire de Neurobiologie Humaine, UMR 6562, CNRS-Université de Provence, Marseille, France.
Neuroreport
|November 27, 1998
Summary
Plantar cutaneous information from the feet significantly influences human balance control. Sensory input from foot mechanoreceptors helps the central nervous system (CNS) maintain upright posture by adjusting body position.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Human balance relies on integrating sensory information, including somatosensation from the feet.
- The specific contribution of plantar cutaneous afferents to postural control remains an area of active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plantar cutaneous information in controlling human balance.
- To determine if afferent messages from foot sole zones provide spatial relevance for postural adjustments.
Main Methods:
- Ten standing subjects were exposed to superficial mechanical vibration on specific foot sole areas (anterior/posterior).
- Vibrations simulated changes in pressure, activating skin mechanoreceptors.
- Center of pressure (CoP) variations and whole-body tilts were recorded.
Main Results:
- Spatially oriented whole-body tilts were observed in all subjects.
- The direction of the tilt was dependent on the stimulated foot area and opposed the simulated pressure increase.
- These responses indicate a postural regulative function mediated by cutaneous input.
Conclusions:
- Plantar cutaneous afferents provide crucial spatial information for postural control.
- The central nervous system (CNS) likely processes these cutaneous signals in a vector addition manner to regulate balance.