Abstract
BackgroundDegradation of the somatosensory system has been implicated in postural instability and increased falls risk for older people and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Here we demonstrate that textured insoles provide a passive intervention that is an inexpensive and accessible means to enhance the somatosensory input from the plantar surface of the feet. Methods20 healthy older adults (controls) and 20 participants with PD were recruited for the study. We evaluated effects of manipulating somatosensory information from the plantar surface of the feet using textured insoles. Participants performed standing tests, on two different surfaces (firm and foam), under three footwear conditions: 1) barefoot; 2) smooth insoles; and 3) textured insoles. Standing balance was evaluated using a force plate yielding data on the range of anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway, as well as standard deviations for anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway. ResultsOn the firm surface with eyes open both the smooth and textured insoles reduced medial-lateral sway in the PD group to a similar level as the controls. Only the textured insole decreased medial-lateral sway and medial-lateral sway standard deviation in the PD group on both surfaces, with and without visual input. Greatest benefits were observed in the PD group while wearing the textured insoles, and when standing on the foam surface with eyes closed. ConclusionsData suggested that textured insoles may provide a low-cost means of improving postural stability in high falls-risk groups, such as people with PD.
Highlights
Somatosensory feedback plays an important role in balance control and decreased somatosensory function, due to ageing and disease, has been closely associated with impaired mobility and falls in older people [1] and individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) [2]
Increased AP postural sway (F(1,78)=15.092, P
Significant main effects for surface and vision demonstrated that there was greater AP postural sway when standing on a foam surface compared to a firm surface (F(1,78)=332.750, P
Summary
Somatosensory feedback plays an important role in balance control and decreased somatosensory function, due to ageing and disease, has been closely associated with impaired mobility and falls in older people [1] and individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) [2]. Methods have included ischemic hypoxia of the foot, induced by a pressure cuff placed around the calcaneus [6], immersion of feet in iced water and standing on a foam surface [7,8,9]. All of these techniques have been shown to decrease or alter the somatosensory input from the foot and ankle and cause postural instability. Degradation of the somatosensory system has been implicated in postural instability and increased falls risk for older people and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. We demonstrate that textured insoles provide a passive intervention that is an inexpensive and accessible means to enhance the somatosensory input from the plantar surface of the feet
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
