Effects of plantar sensitivity on balance and mobility in community‐dwelling older adults: A Turkish study

Abstract

This study revealed that plantar tactile sensory was not associated with balance and mobility functions in older adults. This result may be related to the protection of other sensory systems supporting the maintenance of balance and mobility functions in physically active community-dwelling older people.

Relationship of proprioception, cutaneous sensitivity, and muscle strength with the balance control among older adults

“…In contrast to proprioception, no relation was detected between cutaneous sensitivity and dynamic balance control. Our outcomes agreed with one study, which indicated that cutaneous sensitivity was not correlated with BBS, 23 but disagreed with another, which argued that cutaneous sensitivity in the great toe has some relationship to dynamic balance control. 24 Unlike ours, however, the latter study used only one monofilament (5.07 g, 10 g) to get a cutaneous tactile score.…”

“…Other studies that supported our observations report that cutaneous sensitivity is not related to dynamic balance control or falls and point out that the loss of sensitivity may be compensated by other sensorial systems. 23 , 61 …”

“…The sensitivity threshold was determined by the minimum monofilament gauge detected correctly. 23 A lower sensitivity threshold indicates better plantar cutaneous sensitivity.…”

“…On the contrary, other studies showed that ankle proprioception had no correlation with static balance control, as indicated by the CoP sway area and range. 22 One study demonstrated that cutaneous sensitivity in 9 plantar subareas had no relationship with dynamic balance control, as indicated by BBS, 23 while another study found that cutaneous sensitivity in the great toe has a relationship with dynamic balance control. 24 Most of the previous studies (e.g., Spink et al 25 ) indicated that ankle plantarflexion muscle strength is correlated with static balance control, as indicated by body sway area.…”

The influence of age and overweight or obesity on foot sensitivity and postural control: A systematic review

“…However, the true influence of foot sensitivity on balance is not known. For example, plantar tactile sensitivity was not associated with balance and mobility function in one study with older adults . Additionally, it is relevant to investigate the influence of overweight or obesity on balance, given the association of impaired plantar sensitivity and increased postural sway among the obese .…”