AUTHOR=Meade Zachary S. , Likens Aaron D. , Kent Jenny A. , Takahashi Kota Z. , Wurdeman Shane R. , Jacobsen Adam L. , Hernandez Manuel E. , Stergiou Nick TITLE=Subthreshold Vibration Influences Standing Balance but Has Unclear Impact on Somatosensation in Persons With Transtibial Amputations JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology VOLUME=13 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.810079 DOI=10.3389/fphys.2022.810079 ISSN=1664-042X ABSTRACT=

Stochastic resonance has been successfully used to improve human movement when using subthreshold vibration. Recent work has shown promise in improving mobility in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputations. Furthering this work, we present an investigation of two different signal structures in the use of stochastic resonance to improve mobility in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputations. Cutaneous somatosensation and standing balance measures using spatial and temporal analysis were assessed. There were no differences in the somatosensation measures, but differences in the temporal characteristics of the standing measures were seen with the various vibration structures when compared to no vibration, one of which suggesting mass may play an important role in determining who may or may not benefit from this intervention. Stochastic resonance employed with subthreshold vibration influences mobility in individuals with unilateral amputations, but the full direction and extent of influence is yet to be understood.