title: The Relationship between Physical Function and Postural Sway during Local Vibratory Stimulation of Middle-aged People in the Standing Position.
abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical function and postural sway during local vibratory stimulation of middle-aged subjects in an upright position. [Subjects] The subjects were 25 healthy community-dwelling middle-aged people. [Methods] We measured postural sway using a Wii board while vibratory stimulations of 30, 60, or 240 Hz were applied to the subjects' lumbar multifidus or gastrocnemius muscles. Physical function was evaluated by 5-m usual gait speed and grip strength. [Results] Gait speed was strongly correlated to the anteroposterior body sway in the upright position during 30 Hz gastrocnemius muscles vibration (GMV). [Conclusion] Postural sway during 30 Hz GMV was strongly associated with gait speed and showed a posterior displacement. These findings show that the lower leg's response to balance control under 30 Hz proprioceptive stimulation might be a good indicator of declining gait function.
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Health Science, Graduate School of International University of Health and Welfare, Japan ; National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan.
authors.forename: Tadashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ito
authors.affiliation: National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan.
authors.forename: Yoshihito
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sakai
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Health Science, Graduate School of International University of Health and Welfare, Japan.
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kubo
authors.affiliation: Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan.
authors.forename: Kazunori
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamazaki
authors.affiliation: Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan.
authors.forename: Yasuo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ohno
authors.affiliation: Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan.
authors.forename: Eishi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.affiliation: Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan.
authors.forename: Noritaka
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.affiliation: Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan.
authors.forename: Yoshifumi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Morita
keywords: Middle age; Physical function; Postural sway