Whole body vibration training reduces plantar foot sensitivity but improves balance control of healthy subjects.
Summary of "Whole body vibration training reduces plantar foot sensitivity but improves balance control of healthy subjects."
The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of short-time whole body vibration (WBV) training on foot vibration sensitivity of healthy subjects. Furthermore, the effects of WBV on a balance task (one-leg stand) were also evaluated. 30 young healthy subjects participated in the study. Vibration perception thresholds and balance were measured prior and after a single session of a 4-min WBV training (27Hz, 2mm horizontal amplitude). Thresholds were measured at 200Hz at three anatomical locations of the plantar foot area (first and fifth metatarsal heads and heel). Body balance was quantified using the length as well as the area described by the center of pressure (COP) at quiet, one-leg standing. Whereas vibration thresholds significantly increased after WBV training at all measured locations, there was a significant decrease in the balance related parameters after WBV exercise. The results indicate that the above-threshold, sinusoidal vibration used during WBV training is not an adequate strategy to stimulate/improve vibration sensitivity. The improvements seen in balance after WBV are likely to have neuromuscular mechanisms as their main component rather than increased foot sensitivity.
Affiliation
Chemnitz University of Technology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Institute for Sport Science, Department of Human Locomotion, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Neuroscience letters
ISSN: 1872-7972
Pages: 70-3
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22061837
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2011.10.051
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Fasciitis, Plantar
Inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) causing HEEL pain. The plantar fascia (also called plantar aponeurosis) are bands of fibrous tissue extending from the calcaneal tuberosity to the TOES. The etiology of plantar fasciitis remains controversial but is likely to involve a biomechanical imbalance. Though often presenting along with HEEL SPUR, they do not appear to be causally related.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Entrapment of the distal branches of the posterior TIBIAL NERVE (which divides into the medial plantar, lateral plantar, and calcanial nerves) in the tarsal tunnel, which lies posterior to the internal malleolus and beneath the retinaculum of the flexor muscles of the foot. Symptoms include ankle pain radiating into the foot which tends to be aggravated by walking. Examination may reveal Tinel's sign (radiating pain following nerve percussion) over the tibial nerve at the ankle, weakness and atrophy of the small foot muscles, or loss of sensation in the foot. (From Foot Ankle 1990;11(1):47-52)
Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome
An occupational disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to vibration, affecting the fingers, hands, and forearms. It occurs in workers who regularly use vibrating tools such as jackhammers, power chain saws, riveters, etc. Symptoms include episodic finger blanching, NUMBNESS, tingling, and loss of nerve sensitivity.
Equinus Deformity
Plantar declination of the foot.
Reflex, Babinski
An abnormal reflex consisting of dorsiflexion of the great toe and abduction of the other toes in response to cutaneous stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot.
PubMed Articles
Long distance running and acute effects on plantar foot sensitivity and plantar foot loading.
The plantar surface of the foot senses local pressures during stance and locomotion. These foot loading characteristics may be affected by long distance running. Little is known about the physiologica...
This study aimed to assess the influence of different whole body vibration (WBV) determinants on the electromyographic (EMG) activity during WBV in order to identify those training conditions that cau...
Vibrotactile thresholds at the sole of the foot: Effect of vibration frequency and contact location.
Studies of vibration perception in the glabrous skin of the human hand have identified four mechanoreceptor channels, with each channel showing characteristic variations in thresholds with variations...
Positive power Doppler signal in plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia is a multilayered band of fibrous tissue that support and maintain the longitudinal arch of the foot. We report a 34-old obese woman with heel pain for the past 3 years. On physica...
Investigation of foot plantar pressure: experimental and numerical analysis.
The analysis of interaction phenomena occurring between the plantar region of the foot and insole was investigated using a combined experimental-numerical approach. Experimental data on the plantar pr...
Clinical Trials
The Effect of Plantar Vibration Stimuli on the Balance of Older Women
The objective of the present study was to identify the effect of direct vibration at a frequency of 100 Hz, applied to the plantar region, on the balance of women aged 60 years or older. T...
Whole Body Vibration Training Among Older People Using Sheltered Housing
The purpose of this randomised (double-blind) controlled exercise intervention trial is to determine whether the whole body vibration (WBV) training can effectively improve physical functi...
The purpose of this clinical study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of shockwave treatment combined with standard-of-care treatment, to standard-of-care treatment alone to induce...
Effects of Whole Body Vibration in Subacute Stroke Patients
The overall aim of the proposed study is to determine whether whole body vibration is beneficial in promoting bone turnover, physical fitness and neuromotor performance in patients with su...
The purpose of this study was to determine if insoles with removable pegs could effectively reduce the plantar aspect pressure with the aid of in-shoe plantar pressure analysis for guidanc...
