Effects of Foot Sensory Training on the Somatosensory Function of the Sole of the Foot of Healthy Young Adults

• Published in: Rigaku ryoho kagaku Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 399 - 404
• Main Authors: CHIDORI, Kazuhiro, IKEDA, Yumi, SUGANUMA, Junichi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2022; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: foot sensory training; tactile pressure; two-point discrimination
• ISSN: 1341-1667; 2434-2807
• DOI: 10.1589/rika.37.399

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the effects of foot sensory training on the somatosensory perception of the sole of the feet of healthy young adults. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 26 healthy young adults. For the intervention, they sat with their eyes closed and their feet on a multiaxial instability plate. Local pressure was randomly applied to the soles of the subjects’ feet, and the subjects were asked to identify the location of the pressure. The tactile pressure and two-point discrimination of the sole (big toe, little toe, heel) were measured and compared before and after the intervention. [Results] After the intervention, the two-point discrimination sensation of the sole (big toe, little toe, heel) improved. [Conclusion] The results suggest that foot sensory training immediately improves the sensory function of the sole.