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Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research

Altering gait by way of stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot: the immediate effect of wearing textured insoles in older fallers

Authors: Anna L Hatton, John Dixon, Keith Rome, Julia L Newton, Denis J Martin

Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

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.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Altering gait by way of stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot: the immediate effect of wearing textured insoles in older fallers
Authors
Anna L Hatton
John Dixon
Keith Rome
Julia L Newton
Denis J Martin
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1757-1146
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-5-11

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