Effects of Differences in Touch Height and Touch Load on Postural Control During Static Standing

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of differences in the touch height and touch load on center of pressure (COP). [Subjects] Subjects were 40 healthy young. [Methods] We measured COP sway at different touch heights and touch loads during tandem standing. [Results] Although the total sway length in light touch contact (LT) was comparable with that of no contact (NC), the environmental area and root-mean-square area in LT were significantly lower than in NC. In addition, the total sway length / environmental area was significantly greater in LT than in NC. The COP sway length was reduced in LT, although the COP sway length was comparable to that of NC. Furthermore, differences in the height at which LT was performed (the greater trochanter, acromion, and midpoint of the trochanter-acromion) did not result in significant differences. [Conclusion] We consider that sway is reduced by feedback from tactile sensations at the fingertips and proprioception. This suggests that LT could be used to increase stability in daily living regardless of the height at which LT is performed between the height of the acromion and greater trochanter.