OBJECTIVE:

To identify the effect of vibratory stimuli applied to the plantar region on the balance of women 60 years or older.

DESIGN:

A randomized controlled trial (blinded assessor).

SETTING:

University research laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS:

All women (N=30; age, ≥60y) selected had a balance deficit, assessed by using the One-Leg Stance test with eyes open (EO).

INTERVENTIONS:

Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group, which received vibratory stimuli, and a control group, which received no intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

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.

CONCLUSION:

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.

Copyright © 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.