DESIGN & TESTING OF STIMULATION-BASED VIBRATORS ON PLANTER SURFACE OF FOOT

Abstract

Planter vibration (PV) is gaining grounds in recent years. In this decade few companies have claimed improvements in peripheral blood flow using vibrational approach, nevertheless the effectiveness of treatment is still under observational phase. In this research, the hypothesis addressed was to figure out whether the planter vibrations help in enhancing the peripheral blood flow. For this, stimulation-based vibrators were fabricated and tested in laboratory for safety, efficiency and actuators for rated voltage, rotation, operating voltage, power consumption, frequency, rated current and heat shock. Five points were specified to embed the actuators. Foot sizes selected for fabrication of insoles were 29 and 33 (European standard; averaged for 20 males and females). Intervention was performed on 18 healthy adults (aged 40 to 60 yr) while sitting and knee joint at 90-degree flexion. A 10-minute rest period was provided prior to the stimulation to normalize the blood flow which was followed by 12-15 min vibration therapy at 40-45 Hz. Laser doppler (LOGIC CS Premium) was used to measure the flow of blood in anterior tibial artery before and after therapy. Data was collected for changes in blood flow velocity, and the results showed that arterial blood flow (tibial artery) significantly increased (37.62% improvement in velocity of blood flow before and after the therapy; P=0.0003). It is concluded that the acute bouts of planter vibration assist to improve peripheral blood flow.