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| Vibrating insoles improve balance in patients with stroke and neuropathy |
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24 January 2006
Vibrating insoles can improve balance in patients with diabetic neuropathy and stroke, Boston researchers report. The researchers looked at five traditional sway parameters and three derived from random-walk analysis. All were reduced significantly with the noise application in all of the patients, and the greater a patient's baseline level of postural sway, the more balance control improved with noise input.
Additional research is needed, Dr Collins and his colleagues write, to investigate how the technology may benefit patients with stroke lesions affecting different parts of the brain, for example the right versus the left side of the brain. The main focus is now testing whether the insoles provide benefit in dynamic activity such as walking. The group has completed prototypes of insoles and shoes incorporating the vibrating elements, and are planning studies to test them as patients walk, climb stairs and negotiate other activities of daily living. They also plan to investigate whether the vibrating insoles will be helpful to Parkinson's patients and patients with multiple sclerosis.
Reference:
Ann Neurol 2006; 59 (1): 4-12.
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