Citation

Ito T, Sakai Y, Kubo A, Yamazaki K, Ohno Y, Nakamura E, Sato N, Morita Y. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2014; 26(10): 1627-1630.

Affiliation

Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Society of Physical Therapy Science)

DOI

10.1589/jpts.26.1627

PMID

25364130

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.

Language: en