Regional variation and changes with ageing in vibrotactile sensitivity in the human footsole.
Recently there has been indirect evidence suggesting that age-related elevation in footsole vibration detection may be associated with balance and gait dysfunction. As a first step in investigating this dysfunction, the current study determined by how much plantar vibration sensation decreases as a function of age, and if change is dependent on frequency and location of vibration application. Vibration thresholds were assessed at 4 frequencies (25-400 Hz), at 55 locations, and in young and older participants. Results showed there were 3 regions of sensitivity on the footsole: the ball/medial arch, the lateral border of the foot and heel, and the toes. Thresholds for fast-adapting type I receptor (FAI)-mediated frequencies were age invariant; however, thresholds for fast-adapting type II receptor (FAII)-mediated frequencies increased with age. These changes may be one of many factors contributing to age-related changes in gait.
Wells
Cari
C
School of Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Ward
Lawrence M
LM
Chua
Romeo
R
Inglis
J Timothy
JT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000294:innervation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D014732:Vibration