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Lookup NU author(s): Emerita Professor Julia Newton
Background: Evidence suggests that textured insoles can alter gait and standing balance by way of enhanced plantar tactile stimulation. However, to date, this has not been explored in older people at risk of falling. This study investigated the immediate effect of wearing textured insoles on gait and double-limb standing balance in older fallers. Methods: Thirty older adults >65 years (21 women, mean [SD] age 79.0 [7.1]), with self-reported history of >= 2 falls in the previous year, conducted tests of level-ground walking over 10 m (GAITRite system), and double-limb standing with eyes open and eyes closed over 30 seconds (Kistler force platform) under two conditions: wearing textured insoles (intervention) and smooth (control) insoles in their usual footwear. Results: Wearing textured insoles caused significantly lower gait velocity (P = 0.02), step length (P = 0.04) and stride length (P = 0.03) compared with wearing smooth insoles. No significant differences were found in any of the balance parameters (P>0.05). Conclusions: A textured insole worn by older adults with a history of falls significantly lowers gait velocity, step length and stride length, suggesting that this population may not have an immediate benefit from this type of intervention. The effects of prolonged wear remain to be investigated.
Author(s): Hatton AL, Dixon J, Rome K, Newton JL, Martin DJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Year: 2012
Volume: 5
Issue: s1
Pages: 11
Print publication date: 01/04/2012
Date deposited: 28/11/2012
ISSN (electronic): 1757-1146
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-5-11
DOI: 10.1186/1757-1146-5-11
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