Noise-Enhanced Human Balance Control

TLDR

Stochastic resonance enables noise to enhance the detection of weak signals in nonlinear systems. Applying subsensory mechanical noise to the feet reduces postural sway in both young and elderly individuals, bringing elderly sway toward young levels, indicating that vibrating shoe inserts could mitigate age‑related balance deficits.

Abstract

Noise can enhance the detection and transmission of weak signals in certain nonlinear systems, via a mechanism known as stochastic resonance. Here we show that input noise can be used to improve motor control in humans. Specifically, we show that the postural sway of both young and elderly individuals during quiet standing can be significantly reduced by applying subsensory mechanical noise to the feet. We further demonstrate with input noise a trend towards the reduction of postural sway in elderly subjects to the level of young subjects. These results suggest that noise-based devices, such as randomly vibrating shoe inserts, may enable people to overcome functional difficulties due to age-related sensory loss.