Stochastic resonance method in physiotherapy - a review of the literature

Abstract

Non-linearity is an important feature of many human body structures that may result from deterministic properties of the body and noise. Noise is defined as accidental or irregular fluctuations or disturbances that are not part of the signal. Stochastic resonance (SR), the term originally used in a very specific context, is now widely used to describe any phenomenon in which the presence of noise in a nonlinear system is better for the quality of the output signal than its absence. The conducted research for the needs of physiotherapy consists in assessing the impact of the platform generating forced mechanical vibrations with specific parameters in selected disease entities, sports disciplines, as well as prevention. The aim of the work is to discuss the stochastic resonance method and to analyze the results of the most important works discussing the use and effectiveness of therapeutic impact on the human body. The use of the stochastic resonance method enforces mechanical vibrations, which are characterized by the variability of rhythm, amplitude and direction of vibrations, which enforces postural adjustment regulated by the CNS and response to stimuli that disturb the body's balance. The analysis of the effectiveness of therapeutic impact in the field of body balance disorders, reeducation of locomotion in people with partial spinal cord injury, motor motility and changes in hormonal concentrations was carried out. Stochastic resonance therapy can reduce or eliminate dysfunction in many disease entities, however, further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of the therapy.