Article

Central nervous system receives information from foot
mechanoreceptors in order to control balance and perform movement tasks.
Subthreshold random noise seems to improve sensitivity of the cutaneous mechanoreceptor. The purpose of this study was to systematically
review published evidence conducted to evaluate the clinical and biomechanical
effects of subthreshold random noise on the plantar surface of the foot in
diabetic patients and elder people. METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of
Knowledge, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases based on population, intervention,
comparison, outcomes, and study method. Quality of studies was assessed using the
methodological quality assessment tool, using Physiotherapy Evidence Database
scale. RESULTS: In all, 11 studies were selected for final evaluation based on
inclusion criteria. Five studies evaluated the effects of subthreshold random
noise in diabetic patients and six in elder people. In seven studies,
biomechanical (balance and gait parameters) effects and in four studies clinical
(pressure and vibration sensations) effects of subthreshold random noise were
investigated. All reviewed studies were scored fair (2) to good (9) quality in
terms of methodological quality assessment using Physiotherapy Evidence Database
scale. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that subthreshold random noise improves
balance and sensation in diabetic patients and elder people. Also gait variables
can be improved in elder people with subthreshold random noise. However, further
well-designed studies are needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The previous studies
reported that subthreshold random noise may improve gait, balance, and sensation,
but more studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effect of subthreshold
random noise in shoe or insole for daily living tasks in diabetic patients and
elder people.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2016.

Langue : ANGLAIS