Effects of Nonslip Socks on the Gait Patterns of Older People When Walking on a Slippery Surface

Hatton, Anna L.; Sturnieks, Daina L.; Lord, Stephen R.; Lo, Joanne; Menz, Hylton B.; Menant, Jasmine C.

doi:10.7547/1030471

Cited by 15 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 26 publications

(34 reference statements)

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“…While previous studies found that non-slip socks [ 9 ] and slip-resistant shoes [ 11 , 12 ] did not significantly change the FFCA at heel strike, this study showed that participants walked with an increased percentage of FFCAs within the targeted range during the use of and after using the FFCA feedback system, indicating that participants could use this feedback system as a training device to adjust their FFCA and walking patterns. In this study, verbal instruction was also effective at reducing FFCA; however, verbal instruction had limitations at the lower range of the targeted FFCA, leading to an excessively small FFCA with a mean value of less than 10°.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 72%

“…To prevent slips and falls, multiple interventions have been developed to improve the contact surface between foot and ground, such as non-slip socks and footwear modifications. However, the effectiveness of non-slip socks on slip-prevention remains unclear [ 9 ]. A recent systematic review reported that insoles (e.g., orthopedic, textile, or vibrating insoles) generally improve static and dynamic balance, but may not be able to address the environmental risk factor of a slippery floor [ 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reducing Slip Risk: A Feasibility Study of Gait Training with Semi-Real-Time Feedback of Foot–Floor Contact Angle

Zong-Hao

Bao

DiCesare

et al. 2022

Sensors

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Slip-induced falls, responsible for approximately 40% of falls, can lead to severe injuries and in extreme cases, death. A large foot–floor contact angle (FFCA) during the heel-strike event has been associated with an increased risk of slip-induced falls. The goals of this feasibility study were to design and assess a method for detecting FFCA and providing cues to the user to generate a compensatory FFCA response during a future heel-strike event. The long-term goal of this research is to train gait in order to minimize the likelihood of a slip event due to a large FFCA. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) was used to estimate FFCA, and a speaker provided auditory semi-real-time feedback when the FFCA was outside of a 10–20 degree target range following a heel-strike event. In addition to training with the FFCA feedback during a 10-min treadmill training period, the healthy young participants completed pre- and post-training overground walking trials. Results showed that training with FFCA feedback increased FFCA events within the target range by 16% for “high-risk” walkers (i.e., participants that walked with more than 75% of their FFCAs outside the target range) both during feedback treadmill trials and post-training overground trials without feedback, supporting the feasibility of training FFCA using a semi-real-time FFCA feedback system.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 72%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reducing Slip Risk: A Feasibility Study of Gait Training with Semi-Real-Time Feedback of Foot–Floor Contact Angle

Zong-Hao

Bao

DiCesare

et al. 2022

Sensors

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Commercially available socks (Baleno Co. Ltd., Hong Kong, China) was used to simulate reduced plantar sensory input [ 42 , 43 ]. Mechanoreceptors at the plantar surface detect changes in plantar pressure distribution resulting from body motion, and initiate postural reflexes which help prompt the human body to more stable postures [ 44 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Mechanoreceptors at the plantar surface detect changes in plantar pressure distribution resulting from body motion, and initiate postural reflexes which help prompt the human body to more stable postures [ 44 ]. Previous studies have pointed that aging, diabetic malletis, and wearing socks reduced the cutaneous sensation of the plantar surface of the feet, and consequently led to balance disorders [ 42 , 43 , 45 ]. The socks were 1.6 mm thick, and made of 80.6% cotton, 16.7% polyamide and 2.7% Spandex.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Vibrotactile and Plantar Force Measurement-Based Biofeedback System: Paving the Way towards Wearable Balance-Improving Devices

Zong-Hao

Wan

Wong

et al. 2015

Sensors

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Although biofeedback systems have been used to improve balance with success, they were confined to hospital training applications. Little attempt has been made to investigate the use of in-shoe plantar force measurement and wireless technology to turn hospital training biofeedback systems into wearable devices. This research developed a wearable biofeedback system which detects body sway by analyzing the plantar force and provides users with the corresponding haptic cues. The effects of this system were evaluated in thirty young and elderly subjects with simulated reduced foot sensation. Subjects performed a Romberg test under three conditions: (1) no socks, system turned-off; (2) wearing five layers of socks, system turned-off; (3) wearing five layers of socks, and system turned-on. Degree of body sway was investigated by computing the center of pressure (COP) movement measured by a floor-mounted force platform. Plantar tactile sensation was evaluated using a monofilament test. Wearing multiple socks significantly decreased the plantar tactile sensory input (p < 0.05), and increased the COP parameters (p < 0.017), indicating increased postural sway. After turning on the biofeedback system, the COP parameters decreased significantly (p < 0.017). The positive results of this study should inspire future development of wearable plantar force-based biofeedback systems for improving balance in people with sensory deficits.

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“…Finally, we used standard cotton socks as the control condition; we acknowledge that non-slip socks may be preferable for older people who prefer not to wear shoes indoors [41] .…”

Section: Indoor Footwear and Balance And Gait Patterns In Older Womenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Indoor Footwear on Balance and Gait Patterns in Community-Dwelling Older Women

2016

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(walking speed, cadence, and step length). No footwear effects were observed for maximum excursion when performing the limits of stability test or for speed when performing the tandem walk test. Post hoc tests indicated that performances were best while wearing the enclosed slippers, intermediate with socks, and worst with backless slippers. The enclosed slippers were perceived to be more attractive, comfortable, and well fitted, but heavier than the backless slippers. Most participants (n = 23; 77%) reported that they would consider wearing the enclosed slippers to reduce their risk of falling. Conclusion: Indoor footwear with an enclosed heel, Velcro ® fastening, and a firm sole optimises balance and gait compared to backless slippers, and is therefore recommended to reduce the risk of falling.

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Effects of Nonslip Socks on the Gait Patterns of Older People When Walking on a Slippery Surface

Cited by 15 publications

References 26 publications

Reducing Slip Risk: A Feasibility Study of Gait Training with Semi-Real-Time Feedback of Foot–Floor Contact Angle

Reducing Slip Risk: A Feasibility Study of Gait Training with Semi-Real-Time Feedback of Foot–Floor Contact Angle

A Vibrotactile and Plantar Force Measurement-Based Biofeedback System: Paving the Way towards Wearable Balance-Improving Devices

Effects of Indoor Footwear on Balance and Gait Patterns in Community-Dwelling Older Women

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