The Effect of tactile Augmented Insole Stimulation in a Sequential Pattern on Healthy Walking
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Biomechanics
Advisor Information
Mukul Mukherjee, Associate Professor, Biomechanics
Location
MBSC Ballroom Poster # 1204 - U
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
24-3-2023 10:30 AM
End Date
24-3-2023 11:45 AM
Abstract
The soles of the feet are the only body surface that make direct contact with the environment, thus are a critical source of information with respect to environmental navigation while walking. Several studies have indicated that plantar sensitivity is correlated with balance, which would imply that it plays an important role during gait. While research has been conducted to examine the effects of plantar cutaneous stimulation, very little research has investigated how specific patterns of tactile stimulation may affect walking balance and gait patterns. The aim of this study was to determine how sequential vibro-tactile stimulation to the plantar surfaces of the feet affects walking balance and symmetry during different walking tasks in healthy subjects. Various dynamic balance and gait characteristics were measured using force plates and a motion capture system. Stimulation patterns included no stimulation, sequential circle stimulation and reversed sequential circle stimulation, each collected at level incline, 5-degree incline, and 10-degree incline. Stimulation patterns could be causing a change in foot placement area but are not overly affecting other dependent measures. The reversed sequential circle stimulation caused the greatest decrease in foot placement area relative to the other two patterns at all inclines. With further investigation, these results will help to clarify which pattern of stimulation causes the greatest effect and how such responses could be beneficial in rehabilitation for individuals with decreased plantar sensitivity. Overall, this study will help in the further understanding of the effects of plantar cutaneous stimulation in healthy adults and potentially translate into rehabilitation methods for stroke survivors and other patients with decreased plantar sensitivity.
Scheduling
9:15-10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.-Noon
The Effect of tactile Augmented Insole Stimulation in a Sequential Pattern on Healthy Walking
MBSC Ballroom Poster # 1204 - U
The soles of the feet are the only body surface that make direct contact with the environment, thus are a critical source of information with respect to environmental navigation while walking. Several studies have indicated that plantar sensitivity is correlated with balance, which would imply that it plays an important role during gait. While research has been conducted to examine the effects of plantar cutaneous stimulation, very little research has investigated how specific patterns of tactile stimulation may affect walking balance and gait patterns. The aim of this study was to determine how sequential vibro-tactile stimulation to the plantar surfaces of the feet affects walking balance and symmetry during different walking tasks in healthy subjects. Various dynamic balance and gait characteristics were measured using force plates and a motion capture system. Stimulation patterns included no stimulation, sequential circle stimulation and reversed sequential circle stimulation, each collected at level incline, 5-degree incline, and 10-degree incline. Stimulation patterns could be causing a change in foot placement area but are not overly affecting other dependent measures. The reversed sequential circle stimulation caused the greatest decrease in foot placement area relative to the other two patterns at all inclines. With further investigation, these results will help to clarify which pattern of stimulation causes the greatest effect and how such responses could be beneficial in rehabilitation for individuals with decreased plantar sensitivity. Overall, this study will help in the further understanding of the effects of plantar cutaneous stimulation in healthy adults and potentially translate into rehabilitation methods for stroke survivors and other patients with decreased plantar sensitivity.