Preliminary evaluation of prototype footwear and insoles to optimise balance and gait in older people

Menz, Hylton B.; Auhl, Maria; Munteanu, Shannon E.

doi:10.1186/s12877-017-0613-2

Cited by 15 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 39 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Similar results were previously obtained when comparing classical slippers to a pair combining a set of key criteria to improve balance (rigid soles, closed heels, easy tightening). Despite the different shoe characteristics, only a walk test made it possible to differentiate the two shoe types [21].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Balance Shoes on Balance and Postural Stability in the Elderly: A Crossover, Controlled, Randomized Single-Blind Study

Amiez

Cometti

Mouillon³

et al. 2021

Healthcare

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The risk of falling increases with age. Individuals wearing unadapted shoes present an aggravating risk factor. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of specifically designed balance shoes on balance and postural stability in healthy elderly people compared to that of their usual shoes. In total, 21 healthy individuals aged 65–84 years (76.0 ± 8.0 years) performed balance tests (bipedal with open or closed eyes, unipedal with open eyes, limits of stability, and step cadence) while wearing their (i) personal shoes or (ii) balance shoes (Axis Comfort Development©). Three test sessions were conducted with personal and balance shoes. The first served as the baseline, and the other two were performed after a familiarization period of several days with the personal or balance shoes. The perception of balance shoe efficiency was documented using a questionnaire. The balance shoes significantly improved bipedal balance with closed eyes. Moreover, the familiarization period significantly improved unipedal balance with open eyes. Most subjects felt safer and stabler using balance shoes. The investigated specifically designed balance shoes were effective in elderly individuals in improving postural balance compared to personal shoes. The balance shoes could, therefore, reduce the falling risk in healthy elderly people.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Balance Shoes on Balance and Postural Stability in the Elderly: A Crossover, Controlled, Randomized Single-Blind Study

Amiez

Cometti

Mouillon³

et al. 2021

Healthcare

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Regarding dynamic balance, Paton et al [17] found no differences in dynamic balance using different insoles. Other research found no negative effects of insoles or small positive effects of different types of insoles on dynamic balance [35,36]. A reason for the difference between static and dynamic balance might be the sensory input during dynamic activities.…”

Section: Insolesmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Vibrating insoles might be used in combination with offloading devices that lead to decreased balance, in such a way that patients have the offloading benefits of the offloading devices without compromising balance. In other recent research prototype footwear and insoles were developed to optimize gait in older adults [36]. The footwear consisted of a firm rubber sole (25 mm thick under heel and 18 mm under the forefoot), a high collar to support the ankle, a firm heel counter, a ten degree bevel in the heel, and a slip resisting outsole.…”

Section: Other Solutionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of offloading devices on static and dynamic balance in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review

Horstink

Woude

Hijmans

2021

Rev Endocr Metab Disord

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) usually have reduced somatosensory information and altered perception in feet and ankles. Somatosensory information acts as feedback for movement control and loss of somatosensation leads to altered plantar pressure patterns during gait and stance. Offloading devices are used to reduce peak plantar pressure and prevent diabetic foot ulcers. However, offloading devices can unfortunately have negative effects on static and dynamic balance. It is important to investigate these unwanted effects, since patient with DPN already are at high risk of falling and offloading devices could potentially increase this risk. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effects of plantar offloading devices used for ulcer prevention on their role in static and dynamic balance control in patients with DPN. PubMed and Embase were systematically searched using relevant search terms. After title selection, abstract selection, and full-text selection only five articles could be included for further analysis. Two articles included static balance measurements, two articles included dynamic balance measurements, and one article included both. Results suggested that static balance control is reduced when rocker bottom shoes and different insole configurations are used, however, toe-only rockers showed less evidence for reduced static balance control. There was no evidence for reduced dynamic balance control in combination with offloading devices. However, these results should be interpreted with care, since the number of studies was very small and the quality of the studies was moderate. Future research should evaluate balance in combination with different offloading devices, so that clinicians subscribing them are more aware of their potential unwanted consequences.

show abstract

“…Athletic shoes are associated with decreased fall risk [20]. Shoes with a firm sole and enclosed heel optimise balance and gait compared with slippers [27].…”

Section: Morphological Changes With Ageingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Step width when doing a tandem walk was significantly narrower in shoes with textured insoles [27]. Balance improved with flat and textured insoles [52].…”

Section: Insolesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shoe design for older adults: Evidence from a systematic review on the elements of optimal footwear

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Due to changes in foot morphology and the occurrence of foot deformities and foot pain with ageing, older people frequently wear ill-fitting shoes. This can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. A review of the literature was performed in Medline, Scopus and Embase with three aims: (a) to evaluate the effects of shoes or shoe elements on the comfort and mobility of older adults, (b) to summarise the evidencebased elements of a safe and comfortable shoe for older adults, and (c) from that, to compile those elements into design recommendations for a safe and comfortable shoe for older adults. Safe elements of footwear include proper anatomical fit, a well-fitting toe box, limited heel height, a broad enough heel, a firm insole and midsole, an outsole with sufficient tread, bevelled heel, firm heel counter with snug fit, and an easy and effective closing mechanism. We conclude that there is a need for shoe design specifically aimed at the foot morphology and demands of older people. The shoe market should increase the availability of well-fitting shoes designed for the older foot and person. 1.1. Morphological changes Changes in foot morphology occur with ageing, [2-7], and might differ between men and women [5]. Older adults have a lower medial foot arch but an increased circumference of the forefoot, ankle and instep [2]. For the same foot length, older men have larger foot parameters than women, including foot width, ball girth, upper arch, and toe depth [3]. Flat feet are more common in older women [8] and the first and fifth metatarsophalangeal angles are increased, which might be due to the higher prevalence of hallux valgus in women [4]. For older women, ball width, high instep circumference, and heel instep circumference also increase with age [5]. 1.2. Pain Many older adults are confronted with foot pain when wearing shoes [4,3,9-11]. This may be due to an increased prevalence of foot deformities, such as hallux valgus, mallet toes, hammer toes and claw toes [8]. Hallux valgus is related to the wearing of shoes with small toe boxes at age 20-39 years [12]. 1.3. Doffing and donning, i.e. getting in and out of shoes Ageing frequently leads to problems with doffing and donning, i.e. getting in and out of shoes [10]. Therefore, easy and effective closing mechanisms are usually preferred. 1.4. Ill-fitting shoes and safety aspects As a consequence of the afore-mentioned changes, older people often wear ill-fitting shoes [13,14] or resort to comfort shoes or slippers, especially in and around the home [9,10]. Unsafe or unsuitable shoes affect balance and gait, and might play

show abstract

Preliminary evaluation of prototype footwear and insoles to optimise balance and gait in older people

Cited by 15 publications

References 39 publications

Effects of Balance Shoes on Balance and Postural Stability in the Elderly: A Crossover, Controlled, Randomized Single-Blind Study

Effects of Balance Shoes on Balance and Postural Stability in the Elderly: A Crossover, Controlled, Randomized Single-Blind Study

Effects of offloading devices on static and dynamic balance in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review

Shoe design for older adults: Evidence from a systematic review on the elements of optimal footwear

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About