The Effect of Reduced Somatosensation on Standing Balance: A Systematic Review

Relationship between foot sensation and standing balance in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…Cutaneous afferent inputs from the foot sole provide useful information to central nervous system (CNS) to generate human balance [4,5]. When cutaneous afferent inputs are not transmitting to the CNS, imbalance may occur as in MS [3]. World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the one of the most common presenting symptoms of MS is sensory problems [6].…”

“…One of the components of somatosensory system is cutaneous receptors. Plantar side of the foot contains these cutaneous receptors; Merkel's cells, Pacinian corpuscles, Meissner's corpuscles, and Ruffini endings [3]. In erect posture, only plantar side of the foot contacts with the ground.…”

Clinical Correlates of Between-Limb Synchronization of Standing Balance Control and Falls During Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

“…The balance system requires both accurate sensation of instability and the ability to execute appropriate motor responses. 11 Lower-limb somatosensation, particularly plantar cutaneous sensation, has been shown to be important for balance control, 12 and asymmetry of plantar cutaneous input can alter standing balance control. 13 Recovery of motor function -or, conversely, motor impairment-poststroke is typically measured using the ChedokeMcMaster Stroke Assessment.…”

Relação entre sensibilidade plantar e controle postural em jovens e idosos

“…Idosos apresentaram menor sensibilidade plantar que jovens, e mesmo com a anestesia dos pés, os jovens apresentaram controle postural melhor do que idosos. Como demonstrado pelos resultados, em jovens a sensibilidade geral do pé não teve correlação significativa com variáveis do controle postural, o que corrobora o fato de reduzida sensação tátil ter efeito negativo no controle postural apenas para sujeitos que possuem perdas sensoriais nos pés 16 . Dessa forma, a correlação não significativa entre a sensibilidade do pé inteiro e CP em jovens ajuda a explicar porque, na condição de anestesia, eles não tiveram o controle postural prejudicado.…”