Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine changes of postural sway and weight distribution after cooling the foot. Methods: Ten men with no history of sensory, neurological and orthopedic disorders were participated in this study. They performed four methods: (1) non-treated feet group(control group); (2) both feet treated group; (3) right foot treated group; and (4) left foot treated group. The feet of them were put into ice box, then they stood more than forty seconds on EMED system with bared feet. Data on the moving length, velocity, and maximum velocity of COP and the weight distributions during thirty seconds only were measured in standing position. Results: (1) The moving length and velocity of COP were significant difference between control group and both feet treated group only(p<0.05). (2) The maximum velocity of COP was significant difference among control group and all experimental groups. (3) The changes of weight distribution were significant difference among control group and right/left foot treated groups. Conclusions: Cooling the foot led to increased postural sway and changed weight distribution patterns.

Keywords

• balance;
• cooling the foot;
• COP;
• foot pressure;
• postural sway;
• weight distribution