Article

Walking is an important component of daily life requiring sensorimotor
integration to be successful. Adding haptic input via light touch or anchors has
been shown to improve standing balance; however, the effect of adding haptic
input on walking is not clear.
This scoping review systematically summarizes the
current evidence regarding the addition of haptic input on walking in adults.
Following an established protocol, relevant studies were identified using indexed
data bases (Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Google Scholar) and hand searches of
published review articles on related topics. 644 references were identified and
screened by a minimum of two independent researchers before data was extracted
from 17 studies. A modified TREND tool was used to assess quality of the
references which showed that the majority of studies were of moderate or high
quality. Results show that adding haptic input changes walking behaviour. In
particular, there is an immediate reduction in variability of gait step
parameters and whole body stability, as well as a decrease in lower limb muscle
activity. The effect of added haptic input on reflex modulation may depend on the
limb of interest (i.e., upper or lower limb). Many studies did not clearly
describe the amount and/or direction of haptic input applied. This information is
needed to replicate and/or advance their results. More investigations into the
use and design of the haptic tools, the attentional demands of adding haptic
input, and clarity on short-term effects are needed. In addition, more is
research needed to determine whether adding haptic input has significant, lasting
benefits that may translate to fall prevention efforts.
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