Effects of Planter Warming on Static/Dynamic Balance Ability / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

  [Purpose] It has been reported that foot warming can improve flexibility and standing balance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plantar warming, skin temperatures, feet sensations, and plantar flexibility on balance ability.   [Methods] Study participants included 30 healthy young adults for both the warmed and non-warmed conditions. Plantar warming was carried out for 15 minutes using a foot heater. Deep temperatures (1-2 and 4-5 metatarsal bones on the dorsal-side of the foot) and surface skin temperatures of the dorsal-side (lateral 5th metatarsal head on the right and left feet), Y Balance Test (YBT), and area of one leg stance (OLS) postural sway were measured before and after warmed/non-warmed conditions, and also after 10 minutes (after10) warmed/non-warmed conditions. Semmes Weinstein monofilament (tactile sense), vibration sense, contact area of the plantar on OLS tests and toe extension angle value were measured before and after warmed/non-warmed conditions. Change ratios were calculated for non-temperature items and compared using repeated measures analysis of variance and Wilcoxon’s signed rank test.   [Results] Deep temperature, surface skin temperature of dorsal, and surface skin temperature of the plantar were significantly increased by warmed condition. After- and after10-warmed YBT reaching distances increased significantly compared with before-warmed distances for both the warmed and non-warmed conditions. No significant differences were found between before- and after-warming OLS postural sway area, Semmes Weinstein monofilament, vibration sense, and OLS plantar contact area results. Change ratios of YBT and toe extension angles were significantly increased in the warmed condition compared with the non-warmed condition.   [Discussion and Conclusions] YBT, an index of dynamic balance ability, was significantly increased after the plantar of the foot was warmed, confirming that foot warming does indeed improve balance. We also be observed significant increases in skin temperature and toe extension angles, but no significant changes in OLS postural sway area, Semmes Weinstein monofilament, vibration sense, and OLS plantar contact area. Increased YBT and expansion of toe extension angles suggest that plantar flexibility can be improved by applying a dynamic stretching stimulus after warming of the plantar, which will also enhance balance abilities.