title: Effect of plantar vibration stimuli on the balance of older women: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the effect of vibratory stimuli applied to the plantar region on the balance of women 60 years or older.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized controlled trial (blinded assessor).
  
  
  METHODS
  University research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  All women (N=30; age, ≥60y) selected had a balance deficit, assessed by using the One-Leg Stance test with eyes open (EO).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group, which received vibratory stimuli, and a control group, which received no intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Functional reach (FR) test and center-of-pressure (CoP) sway area (force platform).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference in the time factor of the experimental group for the FR test and CoP sway area with eyes closed (EC). For the group × time interaction, there was improvement in balance in anterior-posterior (AP) CoP sway velocity with EO and EC. There also was improvement in CoP sway area with EC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vibratory stimuli applied to the plantar region have beneficial effects on balance in women 60 years or older, with greater effectiveness in anterior displacement, postural control of the AP axis, and the EC condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fábio S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Wanderley
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alburquerque-Sendín
authors.forename: Nivaldo A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Parizotto
authors.forename: José R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Rebelatto
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D004856:Postural Balance; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014732:Vibration / Q000627:therapeutic use*