Touch noise increases vibrotactile sensitivity in old and young.

Stochastic resonance (SR) occurs when the detection of a subthreshold signal is aided by the presence of random energy fluctuations in the signal modality, commonly called noise. SR is counterintuitive because such noise usually worsens performance. Nonetheless, SR has been demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally in human sensory systems.

Regional variation and changes with ageing in vibrotactile sensitivity in the human footsole.

Recently there has been indirect evidence suggesting that age-related elevation in footsole vibration detection may be associated with balance and gait dysfunction. As a first step in investigating this dysfunction, the current study determined by how much plantar vibration sensation decreases as a function of age, and if change is dependent on frequency and location of vibration application. Vibration thresholds were assessed at 4 frequencies (25-400 Hz), at 55 locations, and in young and older participants.

The role of cutaneous receptors in the foot.

Cutaneous receptors in the foot sole appear to contribute to the control of human stance and locomotion. Two approaches were undertaken to establish the characteristics of the receptors in the sole. Psychophysical vibrotactile thresholds (range 25-400 Hz) were determined across the unloaded sole in young and elderly subjects.