Article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of subsensory vibratory
noise applied to the soles of the feet on gait variability in a population of
elderly recurrent fallers compared to non-fallers and young controls. Eighteen
elderly recurrent fallers and 18 elderly non-fallers were recruited from the
MOBILIZE Boston Study (MBS), a population-based cohort study investigating novel
risk factors for falls. Twelve young participants were included as controls.
Participants performed three 6-min walking trials while wearing a pair of insoles
containing vibrating actuators. During each trial, the noise stimulus was applied
for 3 of the 6min, and differences in stride, stance, and swing time variability
were analyzed between noise and no-noise conditions. The use of vibrating insoles
significantly reduced stride, stance, and swing time variability measures for
elderly recurrent fallers. Elderly non-fallers also demonstrated significant
reductions in stride and stance time variability. Although young participants
showed decreases in all variability measures, the results did not achieve
statistical significance. Gait variability reductions with noise were similar
between the elderly recurrent fallers and elderly non-fallers. This study
supports the hypothesis that subsensory vibratory noise applied to the soles of
the feet can reduce gait variability in elderly participants. Future studies are
needed to determine if this intervention reduces falls risk.

Langue : ANGLAIS