Effect of Shoe Instep Fixation on the Community-dwelling Elderly’s Balance Ability

Abstract

The effect of shoe instep fixation on elderly people's balance ability was examined using the Index of Postural Stability (IPS). [Participants and Methods] Twelve community-dwelling elderly people stood upright and with their bodies tilting at the maximum in all directions for 10 seconds in each case to measure their centers of plantar pressure using a sway meter. Their IPS values were calculated and compared based on the number of Velcro tapes used for shoe instep fixation. [Results] The IPS value did not vary according to the number of Velcro tapes. On the other hand, the area of stability limit as an IPS component was significantly larger when more Velcro tapes were used.[Conclusion] Shoe instep fixation did not influence elderly people's IPS values, but it was suggested to expand their stability limits.