The Relationship between Physical Function and Postural Sway during Local
Vibratory Stimulation of Middle-aged People in the Standing Position |
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| Authors: | Tadashi Ito Yoshihito Sakai Akira Kubo Kazunori Yamazaki Yasuo Ohno Eishi Nakamura Noritaka Sato Yoshifumi Morita |
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| Institution: | 1) Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Health Science, Graduate School of International University of Health and Welfare, Japan;2) National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan;3) Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan |
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| Abstract: | Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical
function and postural sway during local vibratory stimulation of middle-aged subjects in
an upright position. Subjects] The subjects were 25 healthy community-dwelling
middle-aged people. Methods] We measured postural sway using a Wii board while vibratory
stimulations of 30, 60, or 240 Hz were applied to the subjects’ lumbar multifidus or
gastrocnemius muscles. Physical function was evaluated by 5-m usual gait speed and grip
strength. Results] Gait speed was strongly correlated to the anteroposterior body sway in
the upright position during 30 Hz gastrocnemius muscles vibration (GMV). Conclusion]
Postural sway during 30 Hz GMV was strongly associated with gait speed and showed a
posterior displacement. These findings show that the lower leg’s response to balance
control under 30 Hz proprioceptive stimulation might be a good indicator of declining gait
function. |
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| Keywords: | Postural sway Physical function Middle age |
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