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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Effect of light touch on postural sway in individuals with balance problems: A systematic review

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Author(s):
Baldan, A. M. S. [1] ; Alouche, S. R. [1] ; Araujo, I. M. G. [2] ; Freitas, S. M. S. F. [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Cidade Sao Paulo, Programa Posgrad Fisioterapia, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Cidade Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: GAIT & POSTURE; v. 40, n. 1, p. 1-10, MAY 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 28
Abstract

The aim of the present review was to examine the experimental, case-control studies that investigated the effect of light touch on postural sway in individuals with balance problems due to aging, brain lesion or other motor or sensory deficits. Articles published before the end of March of 2013 were searched in PubMed, Scielo and Lilacs databases using terms related to postural control and sensory information. Twelve studies that assessed the postural sway of individuals with balance problems during quiet standing with the light touch using a force plate were reviewed. Two reviewers rated all selected articles as having good quality. The effect of light touch on postural control was reported by all eligible studies regardless of the cause of the balance problem of the participants. Such effect was more evident when the applied vertical force was greater than 1 N, but if individuals with poor balance took more advantage of the light touch than healthy ones it depended on the source of their balance problems and not the amount of the applied force. These findings suggested that the maintenance of the fingertip lightly touching an external surface could provide additional somatosensory information for individuals with poor balance and then it could be used as a strategy to improve the control of upright standing during intervention programs. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/15360-4 - Use of additional sensorial information in postural control of individuals after cerebrovascular accident
Grantee:Sandra Maria Sbeghen Ferreira de Freitas
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants