Effects of Focal Tendon Vibratory Stimuluson Gait Stability of the Elderly

Abstract

Abstract: The FTVS affects muscles activity and excitation of the sensorimotor area. Hence, the FTVS will affect and may improve the elder’s gait instability with age-related. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of FTVS on elder's gait instability. Ten elderly participated. 3D motion analysis systems were used. To investigate the CNS response to FTVS, perception threshold of Achilles tendon (ACT) was measured. Support moment (Ms), VGRF and A-PGRF were analyzed. The perception thresholds were different for each frequency. Especially, threshold increased rapidly at 200 Hz. When 200 Hz was applied, the mean of Ms, VGRF, and A-PGRF was statistically different from non-stimulated. In particular, the first peak of Ms and VGRF were decreased. These means that the CNS response depends on the vibration frequency, and that the extensor activity and locomotion are influenced by the FTVS. This suggests that the FTVS can improve the elderly gait.