Effects of plantar sensitivity on balance and mobility in community‐dwelling older adults: A Turkish study

Abstract

This study revealed that plantar tactile sensory was not associated with balance and mobility functions in older adults. This result may be related to the protection of other sensory systems supporting the maintenance of balance and mobility functions in physically active community-dwelling older people.

The influence of age and overweight or obesity on foot sensitivity and postural control: A systematic review

“…5,19,26,27 Only two studies observed no relation between plantar sensitivity and balance in older people. 10,21 Overweight or obesity was associated with plantar sensitivity, where lower sensitivity 4,11 and decreased postural stability 11 are observed in obese people.…”

“…With regard to age, most studies evaluated both adults and older people, [4][5][6][20][21][22][24][25][26][27] whereas two studies evaluated only adults 11,23 and two only older people. 10,19 Whilst one study evaluated only women, 4 10 evaluated both men and women, 5,10,11,[19][20][21]23,24,26,27 and three did not specify participants' sex. 6,22,25 With regard to body mass, three studies included status classified as overweight, 10,19,21 three included normal, overweight or obese classifications 4,11,24 and eight did not specify the body mass of the participants.…”

“…10,19 Whilst one study evaluated only women, 4 10 evaluated both men and women, 5,10,11,[19][20][21]23,24,26,27 and three did not specify participants' sex. 6,22,25 With regard to body mass, three studies included status classified as overweight, 10,19,21 three included normal, overweight or obese classifications 4,11,24 and eight did not specify the body mass of the participants. 5,6,20,22,23,[25][26][27] 3.2 | Foot sensitivity, balance and postural…”

“…The most frequent technique to assess foot sensitivity was the Semmes-Weinstein pressure aesthesiometer method. [4][5][6]10,20,21 Other studies also used both Semmes-Weinstein pressure aesthesiometer and a vibrotactile neurothesiometer, 23 both Semmes-Weinstein pressure aesthesiometer and an assessment of plantar pressure, 25 acuity and contrast sensitivity, Semmes-Weinstein pressure aesthesiometer and detection of passive ankle motion, 27 and both Semmes-Weinstein pressure aesthesiometer and vibrotactile detection thresholds test. 26 Foot sensitivity was evaluated in one study using vibration test, 24 two studies by two-point tactile discrimination test 19,22 and one study by a customdesigned platform and a digital force gauge.…”

“…For example, plantar tactile sensitivity was not associated with balance and mobility function in one study with older adults. 10 Additionally, it is relevant to investigate the influence of overweight or obesity on balance, given the association of impaired plantar sensitivity and increased postural sway among the obese. 11 In fact, there is a high prevalence of individuals who are above weight recommendations and therefore classified as overweight or obese, at all ages.…”