Influence of Vibratory Plantar Stimulation on Cortical Motor Planning and Spatiotemporal Step Parameters

Walking relies on coordinated neuromuscular control, proactive motor planning, and continuous integration of sensory feedback. The premotor cortex (PMC) supports movement preparation, while plantar mechanoreceptors provide essential input for anticipatory postural adjustments and gait initiation. Although previous literature suggests that plantar vibratory stimulation can improve balance and reduce gait variability, its influence on cortical motor planning remains unclear. This study examined whether augmenting plantar mechanoreception with vibratory insoles influences PMC activity during the planning phase preceding gait initiation and whether PMC activation relates to step width variability (SWV). Thirty-two healthy young adults performed single-step initiations in a contingent negative variation paradigm while PMC activity was recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and lower-limb kinematics via inertial measurement units. Planning significantly increased left PMC activation relative to rest; however, vibration and step type did not modulate this response, and no association was found between PMC planning activation and SWV.

Name thesis:degree_name

M Sc

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Neuroscience

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Western Ontario

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Lai, Sean

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Peters, Sue

• Functional near-infrared spectroscopy
• inertial measurement unit
• premotor cortex
• gait initiation
• motor planning
• somatosensory integration
• vibratory insoles
• mobile brain-body imaging

Statement dc:rights

• Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14721/39293

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwo.scholaris.ca:20.500.14721/39293