The Effect of Sound and Vibration on Postural Balance in Healthy Young Adults

Abstract

Postural balance is influenced by alteration of somatosensory inputs. Sound and vibratory senses, one of several human senses may assist the postural control in a specific impaired situation. The aim of this pilot study was to quantify the effect of sound and vibration on postural balance in healthy young adults. Ten healthy young subjects volunteered to participate in the study. The average age, weight, height, and body mass index were 21.88 ± 0.42 years, 56.21 ± 9.80 kg, 159.75 ± 5.20 cm, and 21.99 ± 3.52 kg/m2. They were assessed for standing postural balance on a force plate over 6 conditions of sound and vibration applications under vision was excluded by using a blindfold. Postural balance variables consisted of planar deviation of Center of Pressure (CoP) and the maximum ranges of CoP in the medio-lateral (ML) and antero-posterior (AP) directions. Two-way ANOVA was used to find the effect and interaction effect of sound and vibration on the postural balance variables. Further analyses of the variables were performed on a basis of each factor. Between sound conditions (no sound and open sound), the variables were analyzed by the paired t-test. In addition, the effect of vibration (no vibration, vibration on quadriceps, and vibration on gastrocnemius) on the variables were analyzed by the one-way repeated measure ANOVA. Results demonstrated no interaction effect and main effect of sound and vibration on the postural balance variables (p > 0.05). In addtion, no significant difference of the postural balance variables between sound conditions (p > 0.05) as well as among vibration conditions (p > 0.05). In conclusion, sound and vibration did not effect to the postural balance during standing in healty young adults.

Combined Effects of Exposure to Noise and Vibration on Human Postural Equilibrium under Simulated Driving Conditions

“…Also, Yilmaz et al [29] proposed some synergistic effects of the combined exposure to noise and vibration on the vestibular system disturbances. In contrast, Bovonsunthonchai et al [30] demonstrated that there were not any interaction effects of sound and vibration on body equilibrium. The authors mentioned that their method, sample size, and participants' ages could affect the results of their study.…”

“…Therefore, it seems that the considered noise dose (85 dB(A) for 40 min of exposure) was not adequate for observing noticeable body balance changes in exposure to noise alone in the current study. Besides, the possible compensatory role of the Central Nervous System (CNS) for deficits in vestibular system functions can become active during the experience of single exposure to noise [29,30]. Second, auditory stimuli are less influential in body balance in comparison with vestibular, visual, and somatosensory inputs [31].…”

“…Finally, all participants in this study were young and healthy without any possible medications related to body equilibrium. Young people can adapt their sensory system better to maintain their body balance against any environmental disturbance factors [30].…”