Comparison of Shod vs Nonshod Training on Balance and Postural Sway in Older Adults

Abstract

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of death due to injury and hospitalization. With age, cutaneous sensation in the foot sole diminishes, contributing to balance impairment. Discovering an effective method for retraining the mechanoreceptors of the feet will possibly increase balance control. Training the different physiological systems involved in balance maintenance is important for decreasing fall risks. PURPOSE: To investigate whether a balance training intervention involving barefoot training (BT) yields better static and dynamic balance, and postural sway values than a group wearing shoes (WS). METHODS: Twelve older adults (65-92 years) were randomly assigned into a BT or WS group. Both groups participated in 50 minute exercise sessions three days a week for six weeks. The sessions included strength, balance, and stretching exercises based on the Stay Active and Independent for Life program. All participants completed a functional reach test (FRT), single-leg stance (SLS), timed up and go (TUG), 30 second chair stand (CS), and postural sway analysis with eyes open (SEO) and eyes closed (SEC). RESULTS: A 2x6 ANOVA found no significant difference between the two groups for the FRT, SLS, TUG, CS, SEO, or SEC tests. Pearson correlations were run to identify relationships between variables. As would be expected there was a positive significant correlation between the static balance measures of SLS and FRT (r = .634, p = 0.027), as well as SEO and SEC in the postural sway test (r = .780, p = .003). There were negative significant correlations between the chair stand and TUG (r = -.848, p = .000), and SEC (r = -.577, p = .050). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in static and dynamic balance and postural sway between the two groups, but leg strength had an impact on dynamic balance and postural sway with visual input. Future research should consider a larger sample size and a longer intervention.