Effects of active and passive warming of the foot sole on vibration perception thresholds

OBJECTIVE: Skin temperatures are known to increase cutaneous sensitivity. However, it is unclear whether the amount of improved sensitivity differs depending on the protocol of heat application. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of active (treadmill walking) and passive (infrared radiator) warming of the foot sole on vibration perception thresholds. METHODS: Sixty healthy and injury-free subjects voluntarily participated in this study. Vibration perception thresholds (200 Hz) and plantar temperatures were measured at the hallux and 1st metatarsal head. In experiment 1, warming and mechanically stimulating the skin was achieved by walking on a treadmill for 30 min. In a follow-up study (experiment 2), external plantar heat was administered via an infrared radiator (30 min). RESULTS: In both experiments, increasing temperatures led to increased plantar sensitivity. However, the amount of improved sensitivity was greater in experiment 1, although plantar temperature increases were lower compared to experiment 2. CONCLUSIONS: Warming in conjunction with mechanical stimulation seems to have a greater potential to enhance plantar sensitivity compared to external heat supply only. SIGNIFICANCE: The possible influence of mechanical stimulation and warming towards superior plantar afferent feedback highlights its importance regarding human posture and fall prevention.