Quantifying the Effects of Mechanical Noise Bandwidth on Postural Control in a Noise-Based Insole

This thesis investigated the effects of different types of mechanical vibration introduced to the foot sole on balance and the biological systems involved in maintaining it. Mechanical vibration improves the sensitivity of the foot sole to pressure changes during balance, giving the brain more information on the body’s posture. The brain can then use the calf muscles to control balance more effectively, resulting in improved balance. This beneficial effect on balance is more prominent when the mechanical vibration contains the broadest possible range of frequencies.