Investigation of the Effect of Physical Inactivity Due to Bed Rest on Somatosensory Function

Abstract

[Purpose] The effects of physical inactivity due to bed rest on the two-point discrimination sense of the sole and the ankle joint position sense, which are indicators of somatosensory function, were investigated over time. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 8 patients with vertebral compression fractures who were instructed to rest in bed. The measurement items were two-point discrimination sense of the sole and ankle joint position sense, and the measurement times were bed rest start, bed rest end, and after a physical therapy intervention. [Results] The two-point discrimination sense of the sole was lower at the end of bed rest than at the start of bed rest and post-intervention compared with the start of bed rest. On the other hand, there was no change in the ankle joint position sense. [Conclusion] Physical inactivity due to bed rest increased the two-point discrimination threshold of the sole of the foot, suggesting that the two-point discrimination threshold decreased. Furthermore, the effect of decreased sensation of two-point discrimination persisted even after the start of physiotherapy intervention.