Relationship between the Application of TENS to the Lower Limbs and Balance of Healthy Subjects

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of TENS applied to the skin overlying the bellies of the gastrocnemius muscles of the lower limbs on balance and plantar pressure of healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight healthy college students were the subjects of this study. Adhesive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) electrodes were attached to the medial and lateral belly of the gastrocnemius muscle. Before and after the application of the TENS, subjects' balance ability and maximum plantar pressure were measured and compared. [Results] The scores improved in the balance tests, including the fall risk test and the stability limit test, after the application of TENS, and a statistically significant difference was noted in the stability limit test. The maximum plantar pressure after the application of TENS decreased except beneath the big toe, and statistically significant difference was found under the forefoot. [Conclusion] The results of present study suggest that TENS applied to the skin overlying gastrocnemius muscles is useful strategy that improves the balance ability of healthy adults.