Effects of tendon vibration during one- legged and two-legged stance in elderly individuals

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of vibration of the tibialis anterior and Achilles tendons during one-legged and two-legged stance in young and elderly individuals. Sway in the center of pressure (COP) and plantar pressure was observed in four vibration conditions, which included single vibration, combined vibration and non-vibration applied to the tibialis anterior and/or Achilles tendons of the supporting leg. For single vibration, whole-body tilts were directed backward and forward according to the location of the vibration. In combined vibration, very small amplitude body shifts were observed. Using combined vibration of the tibialis anterior and Achilles tendons, the decrease in the COP sway may improve the ability to balance during onelegged stance in elderly individuals. In particular, the decrease in COP sway may improve the ability to balance during one-legged stance by combined vibration in elderly subjects. These findings are important for the use of somatosensory information processing to regulate postural adjustments in the elderly.