Effects of Toe Grasp Training for the Aged on Spontaneous Postural Sway.

Abstract

Abstract. Falls are a common problem among elderly persons, but the training for the fall prevention is not well established. Therefore, the effectiveness of toe grasp training was examined in this study. Spontaneous postural sway was tested on elderly persons (N=19) with eyes open and eyes closed. Using a force plate, sway responses were quantified in terms of the total track length, the environmental areas, the maximum amplitude distance of X-axis, and the maximum amplitude distance of Y-axis. The data was compared between the toe grasp training group and the control group. Total track length (eyes open and eyes closed), environmental areas (eyes open) and maximum amplitude distance of X-axis (eyes open and eyes closed) were improved significantly in the toe grasp training group. The activation of foot mechanoreceptors and improvements of the eye-leg coordination were thought to be factors in this improvement and toe grasp training is expected to be effective for fall prevention of the aged.

Efficacy of a progressive resistance exercise program to increase toe flexor strength in older people

“…Nine nursing home residents undertook training three times a week using their toes to gather a weighted towel and pass beanbags from one place to another. 12 After 8 weeks the toe-grasp training was found to significantly improve the participants' spontaneous sway performance with both their eyes open and closed by 16% and 26%, respectively. In contrast, no change, or poorer balance was displayed by an age-matched control group, who participated in a group exercise program.…”

Effectiveness of Foot and Ankle Exercise Programs on Reducing the Risk of Falling in Older Adults

“…Adherence to the exercise programs varied considerably. 36 Another study evaluated an ankle power training program using either elastic band exercises or weight training exercises for improvement in ankle movement time. One study reported minor adverse events, such as worsening joint pain and exacerbation of preexisting musculoskeletal conditions, related to the exercise training intervention.…”

“…37,38 Only two studies used objective biomechanical tests for a detailed assessment of balance parameters such as postural sway. 13,36 Functional ability was most often quantified by walking (5 studies); most of the studies used timed walking tests, 13,16,33,34 and only one study used an electronic system for a detailed documentation of FA training-related changes in gait parameters. 24 Other functional measures included modified versions of the Timed Up and Go test, 16,24 the alternate step test, 13 and the sit-tostand test.…”

“…Two studies, which used postural sway measurements, reported significant improvements in some but not all of the parameters (Table 1) after toe grasp training 36 and FA strength and flexibility training. Two studies, which used postural sway measurements, reported significant improvements in some but not all of the parameters (Table 1) after toe grasp training 36 and FA strength and flexibility training.…”

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a multifaceted podiatry intervention for falls prevention in older people: a multicentre cohort randomised controlled trial (the REducing Falls with ORthoses and a Multifaceted podiatry intervention trial)

“…9,13,14 Podiatry interventions to improve balance Given the emerging evidence that foot problems and inappropriate footwear increase the risk of falling, it has been suggested that podiatry may have a role to play in falls prevention, with several guidelines recommending that older people have their feet and footwear examined by a podiatrist. 15,16 Previous studies have looked at treatments that may improve balance in older adults, such as lesion debridement, 17 foot orthoses, 18 foot and ankle exercises 19,20 and footwear advice. Lesion debridement can improve function during gait if pain is reduced, exercise programmes focus on internal strengthening and flexibility, and appropriate footwear fitted with orthotic devices can provide external support, improved kinaesthesia and improved function.…”