Effects of plantar hypothermia on quasi-static balance: Two different hypothermic procedures

Subliminal electrical and mechanical stimulation does not improve foot sensitivity in healthy elderly subjects

“…Furthermore, Hämäläinen et al (1992) found a positive correlation between quasi-static balance tasks and vibration sensitivity at 20 Hz in patients with unilateral sensory impairment. A recent study simulated the effects of reduced plantar sensitivity by cooling the sole of the foot (Germano et al, 2018). Reduced somatosensory input led to decreased balance control in healthy young subjects (Germano et al, 2018).…”

“…A recent study simulated the effects of reduced plantar sensitivity by cooling the sole of the foot (Germano et al, 2018). Reduced somatosensory input led to decreased balance control in healthy young subjects (Germano et al, 2018).…”

Postural performance and plantar cutaneous vibration perception in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

“…Therefore, it seems crucial to investigate the functionality of single subsystems individually. Given the fact that the soles of our feet are the only direct contact between the body and the ground while standing and walking, the relevance of plantar cutaneous mechanoreceptor input for postural performance has already been confirmed [18,19,20].…”

“…All participants performed two consecutive trials lasting 30 s each, while data was collected at 100 Hz. Plantar skin temperatures were monitored, since alterations might affect postural performance [18,19,27].…”

“…Since it has been shown that changes in skin temperature affect tactile perception, the foot rest was equipped with a thermal element, which was adjusted to approx. 20 C to assure comparability [18,19,20]. Prior to the examination, all participants underwent an acclimatization period of approx.…”