Abstract
This review article introduces various approaches to enhance human movement using haptic sensory information
in daily life. Providing additional haptic sensory information through a light (< 1 N) finger touch to a fixed object
resulted in decreased postural sway in various physical positions. This “light touch effect” suggests that haptic
sensory input through touching primarily provides information about body orientation. Researchers recently applied
this effect in various models of daily life. For instance, lightly touching a cane can improve both static and dynamic
postural control. Even a fluttering cloth wrapped around the waist, extending to the lower leg, is effective in improving
postural control. Furthermore, because balance control during human locomotion is also enhanced by wearing a
fluttering cloth, human movement might be enhanced according to the shape of the garment. These studies suggest
that light touch can positively enhance human movement through personal objects used in daily life.
