Immediate Effects of Vibrotactile Biofeedback Instructions on Human Postural Control

Isabel Tannert, Katrin H. Schulleri, Youssef Michel, Steeven Villa, Leif Johannsen, Joachim Hermsdorfer, Dongheui Lee

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Vibrotactile biofeedback can improve balance and consequently be helpful in fall prevention. However, it remains unclear how different types of stimulus presentations affect not only trunk tilt, but also Center of Pressure (CoP) displacements, and whether an instruction on how to move contributes to a better understanding of vibrotactile feedback.Based on lower back tilt angles (L5), we applied individualized multi-directional vibrotactile feedback to the upper torso by a haptic vest in 30 healthy young adults. Subjects were equally distributed to three instruction groups (attractive - move in the direction of feedback, repulsive - move in the opposite direction of feedback & no instruction - with attractive stimuli). We conducted four conditions with eyes closed (feedback on/off, Narrow Stance with head extended, Semi-Tandem stance), with seven trials of 45s each. For CoP and L5, we computed Root Mean Square (RMS) of position/angle and standard deviation (SD) of velocity, and for L5 additionally, the percentage in time above threshold. The analysis consisted of mixed model ANOVAs and t-tests (α-level: 0.05).In the attractive and repulsive groups feedback significantly decreased the percentage above threshold (p<0.05). Feedback decreased RMS of L5, whereas RMS of CoP and SD of velocity in L5 and COP increased (p<0.05). Finally, an instruction on how to move contributed to a better understanding of the vibrotactile biofeedback.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2021
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages7426-7432
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781728111797
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Event43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2021 - Virtual, Online, Mexico
Duration: 1 Nov 20215 Nov 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS
ISSN (Print)1557-170X

Conference

Conference43rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2021
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityVirtual, Online
Period1/11/215/11/21

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