Correlation Between Feet Sensitivity and the Balance of Active Elderly in the Community

Abstract

The population has been aging more and more, considerably increasing the number of elderly people in the country. Linked to the aging process are the physiological and anatomical changes, which may influence the individual's physical capacity, making them more susceptible to falls. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and correlate possible sensory alterations of the foot with the balance of the active elderly in the community. Fifteen active elderly people of both genders between 65 and 75 years old participated, classified by means of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, who presented independent functional gait or with the aid of accessories; in addition, preserved cognitive assessed through the Mini Mental Examination Scale. To assess plantar sensitivity and balance, the esthesiometer and the Berg Functional Balance Scale were applied. As a statistical test, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used, which showed a correlation between the variables analyzed. Thus, the sensory alterations of the foot support the idea that there is a decrease in balance with the loss of plantar skin sensitivity in active elderly people in the community in the studied group.