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Vibrating Insoles May Improve Balance in Elderly Fri October 3, 2003 02:36 PM ET By Karla Gale NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Insoles vibrating below the level of detection seem to improve the balance of elderly individuals by reducing "postural sway," according to a study in this week's issue of The Lancet. "We hope this strategy will reduce the incidence of falls in the elderly," lead author Dr. James J. Collins told Reuters Health. Vibrational input to the sensory system can enhance sensory and motor function, Collins, at Boston University, and colleagues explain in their report. They theorized that postural sway during quiet standing could be reduced by applying "mechanical noise" to the feet. The study began by having subjects stand on vibrating gel-based insoles, with the amplitude adjusted so that the vibration was barely felt. The stimulation level of each insole was then set to 90% of this sensory threshold. The study included 15 young subjects (average age 23 years) and 12 older individuals (average age 73). Participants underwent multiple 30-second trials in which they stood on the insoles with their eyes closed. Soles were randomly vibrating in half the trials, while the devices were switched off in the other half. Postural sway was assessed with a motion analysis system that focused on a reflective marker on each person's right shoulder. Seven of the eight sway parameters that were assessed were significantly decreased by the stimulation. The researchers are now working to improve the design of the insoles for practical use inside shoes, Collins said. "We want to see if the insoles can improve motor control during dynamic activities, such as walking, turning, and climbing stairs." The intended target population would be elderly individuals with diabetic neuropathy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, or a history of falls. SOURCE: The Lancet, October 4, 2003 / Reuters Health http://asia.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3555669 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn