Influence of Active Fingertip Contact with a Stable Surface on Postural Sway and Electromyographic Activities of the Lower Extremity Muscles Immediately after Descending a Step

Recent studies have shown that active contact cues from a fingertip provide information that leads to reduced postural sway during static standing. Although the falling risk increases immediately after descending a step, little is known about the influence of active fingertip contact with a stable surface. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of fingertip contact on the sway and the EMG (Electromyographic) activities of lower extremity muscles immediately after descending a step. Nine healthy male volunteers participated in this study. Sway was measured by the center of pressure (COP) and compared under three conditions: (1) standing without touching, (2) standing with the right index fingertip lightly touching (