Cutaneous afferents from human plantar sole contribute to body posture awareness.
We investigated whether the tactile information from the main supporting areas of the foot are used by the brain for perceptual purposes, namely body posture awareness and body representation in space. We applied various patterns of tactile stimulation to one or both soles of unmoving and blindfolded subjects by a 60 micro-vibrator tactile matrix set in a force platform. The perceptual effects of the stimulation were assessed through a 3D joystick handled by the subjects. All subjects reported illusory perceptions of whole-body leaning. Both orientation and amplitude of these perceptions depended on the stimulation pattern. Additional kinesthetic illusions sometimes occurred along the longitudinal axis of the body. We conclude that foot sole input contributes to the coding and the spatial representation of body posture.
Roll
Régine
R
Laboratoire de Neurobiologie Humanine, Université de Provence- CNRS cedex 13, France. rr@up.univ-mcs.fr
Kavounoudias
Anne
A
Roll
Jean-Pierre
JP
D000328:Adult; D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007088:Illusions / Q000502:physiology; D007699:Kinesthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009039:Motion Perception / Q000502:physiology; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D012683:Sensory Deprivation / Q000502:physiology; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation*; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology*; D014732:Vibration