Preliminary evaluation of prototype footwear and insoles to improve balance and prevent falls in older people

摘要

Footwear has the potential to influence balance in either a detrimental or beneficial manner, and is therefore an important consideration in relation to falls prevention. Based on previous studies, it has been suggested that the ideal safe shoe for older people at risk of falling should have a low, broad heel, a thin, firm midsole, a high collar and a textured, slip-resistant outersole (Menant, Steele, Menz, Munro, & Lord, 2008). However, although this recommendation is a valid summary of the available literature, few commercially available footwear styles incorporate all these features, particularly with regard to female footwear. Furthermore, in order for such a recommendation to be widely adopted, such footwear needs to be acceptable to older people from the perspective of comfort, ease of use and aesthetics.