Effect of Foot Orthoses and Shoes in Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A PRISMA Systematic Review

Abstract

Reduced plantar foot sensation, postural instability, and gait difficulties are characteristic of Parkinson´s disease patients. A systematic review was carried out to determine the effect of the different types of insoles and shoes in these patients. Several databases were used to search for relevant articles reporting Parkinson´s disease patients undergoing treatment with any type of insole and footwear. All titles and abstracts were reviewed independently by two reviewers and the available data were extracted. The study eligibility criteria were any type of experimental study that included Parkinson’s disease patients treated with any type of insole or footwear. Eight studies were selected. Interventions used were textured insoles, footwear modifications, and habitual footwear. Three different outcomes were evaluated in each study: gait parameters, balance, and plantar sensation. According to the data available from this systematic review, the most important conclusion is that more controlled studies are needed in this research field. There are indications to suggest that textured insoles have positive effects on gait parameters, balance, and plantar sensation in Parkinson’s disease patients.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability of the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST) in Assessing Fall-Risk Home Hazards for Stroke Using Technologies over a Conventional Home Visit

“…For example, most homes do not have a bathtub, and this could give the understanding that it could be substituted with a shower/bathing area instead. Besides evaluating the physical environment and a person's physical function, attention to footwear (textured insoles, footwear modifications, and habitual footwear) is also important as it is a modifiable risk factor in falls prevention [ 53 ]. Nonetheless, the HOME FAST has demonstrated satisfactory interrater reliability in this study.…”

Wearable Walking Assistant for Freezing of Gait With Environmental IoT Monitoring: A Contribution to the Discussion

“…With this shift to a self-care paradigm, where the relationship between client and healthcare provider will change, the key to developing future viable solutions will imply including dimensions that were not previously considered when using technology. The presence of wearable devices in patients experiencing FoG will most certainly become a reality, with the client as an active part in demanding this technology and choosing which option fits their personal preferences ( 43 ). Among the wearable devices that will become mandatory for people with PD experiencing FoG, smart shoes will most certainly be one, if not the most present technology ( 44 ).…”

Effects of Insole with Toe-Grip Bar on Barefoot Balance and Walking Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…However, these approaches require special facilities, equipment, and continuous training. Conversely, according to a PRISMA systematic review, insoles and shoes have been reported to have positive effects on gait parameters and balance in patients with PD [ 10 ]. Insoles and shoes are simple, safe, and easy-to-use, and offer immediate results [ 11 ]; in addition, they are expected to improve the balance and walking function of patients with PD regarding toe and foot function.…”