Effects of somatosensory information provision to fingertips for mitigation of postural sway and promotion of muscle coactivation in an upright posture.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of somatosensory information provision to the fingertips using a device proposed by the authors for mitigation of postural sway and muscle co-contraction in an upright posture, which both increase with aging and result in inefficient postural control. In the research, center of pressure (CoP) fluctuation index values and muscle co-contraction for ankle joint movement were monitored with healthy young adults in a standing position. The results showed that the proposed device helped to reduce the root mean square (RMS) of the CoP and muscle co-contraction in the right ankle joint, thereby suggesting its potential for contribution to the assistance of efficient postural control.