Human cutaneous sensors on the sole of the foot: altered sensitivity and recovery time after whole body vibration.

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on human tactile sensitivity, both the immediate effects and the recovery time in the case of altered sensitivity. Twenty adults (25.3±2.6 years, 10 males) participated in a 10-min WBV session, at a frequency of 42 Hz with 2 mm amplitude in a spiral mode. Sensitivity was measured before and four times after WBV exposure. Pressure sensation was determined using Von Frey monofilaments. Vibration perception thresholds for 30 and 200 Hz were measured using a custom built neurothesiometer. The sensation was measured in 5 anatomical regions of the right foot. Sensitivity of measured cutaneous perception was significantly reduced. Fast-adapting mechanoreceptors for 200 Hz and 30 Hz showed 5.2 and 3.8 times lower sensation values immediately after WBV, respectively. Pressure sensation was 2 times lower in comparison to the baseline condition. In general, tactile sensitivity recovery time was between 2 and 3 h. WBV influences the discharge of fast-adapting skin mechanoreceptors. By determining the recovery time, it might be possible to estimate how long the effects of WBV on tactile sensitivity last.