Effects of Foot Orthoses on Balance in Older Adults

Abstract

The results provide preliminary evidence that foot orthoses can effect improvement in balance measures for older adults.

Effectiveness of a Commercially Available Orthotic Insert

“…However, as opposed to the current study, Gross et al [27] found no significant improvement in follow-up balance scores after each subject had worn the orthoses for 2 weeks. Additionally, they found a significant improvement in balance scores with the immediate insertion of orthoses.…”

“…In a study performed by Gross et al [27], the authors concluded that custom-made semi-rigid foot orthoses improved static and dynamic standing balance in older individuals. However, as opposed to the current study, Gross et al [27] found no significant improvement in follow-up balance scores after each subject had worn the orthoses for 2 weeks.…”

The Effect of Heel Lifts on Postural Stability in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

“…Additionally, we predict that in addition to postural alignment, dynamic balance should also improve with PF accommodation because of the increased excursion available for balance corrections and reactions. For instance, several studies that have shown that heel 12,25 lifts can improve alignment and balance in children with CP and older adults.…”

Older People’s Perceptions of a Multifaceted Podiatric Medical Intervention to Prevent Falls

“…Second, we cannot delineate the relative contributions of each component of the intervention package in improving balance and preventing falls. Although several studies have now shown that orthoses can improve balance in older people, [29][30][31][32] no randomized controlled trials have shown a reduction in falls when orthoses are used as a single intervention. Factorial randomized controlled trials in which participants are allocated to receive neither intervention, one or the other, or a combination, would need to be undertaken to adequately determine the relative benefits of footwear, orthoses, and exercise.…”