Researchers said turning up the volume on a neurological
system may help the elderly keep their balance. The brain
and spinal cord integrate data from eyes, inner ears,
muscles and skin to send the proper commands to the muscles
that keep people standing. Using a phenomenon called
stochastic resonance, researchers at Boston University and
Afferent in Providence, R.I., found a way to boost the flow
of data to the brain and improve balance. Co-author James
Collins of Boston says the decline of the sense of touch in
the feet and of proprioception -- the sense of what position
the limbs are in -- contributes to seniors' tendency to fall.
The scientists found significant improvement in balance in
people in their 70s using a pair of gel ! insoles containing
electric motors, which sent an imperceptible vibration into
the feet. They say a device based on the research should be
on the market within two years.
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