The relationship between footwear, somatosensory status, and performance of key components of static and dynamic balance as measured by inertial measurement units (IMUs)
PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: Postural control is influenced by somatosensory input from the feet. Somatosensation, such as plantar cutaneous and vibratory thresholds, decline with age and have been identified as a contributing factors to instability and falls in older adults. The purpose of this investigation is to better understand the interaction of footwear (on/off) on static and dynamic balance using more sensitive testing methodologies, in this case Inertial Movement (Measurement) Units or IMUs. It is hypothesized that participants will demonstrate superior performance with shoes-on during static and dynamic balance tests. SUBJECTS: A sample of convenience was drawn from a local fall risk screening (N=17, mean age 78.5 years, range 60-99; 70.6% female). The sample was considered to be an at risk community dwelling population based upon Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scores (mean=25.94) and Timed Up And Go (TUG) times (mean = 8.03 seconds). MATERIALS/METHODS: Somatosensory status was quantified by Rydel-Seiffer? Semi-quantitative Tuning Fork (128Hz) and Semmes-Weinstein? Monofilaments. Movement variables were quantified using IMUs while each participant performed static and dynamic balance tests with and without footwear. The instrumented Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (I-CTSIB) was selected as the static test, whereas the 25 ft. instrumented TUG (I-TUG) represented the dynamic test. Analysis included postural sway acceleration (I-CTSIB, m2/s4) and components of the I-TUG which may require somatosensory input for optimal performance, including sit to stand time, gait parameters, turn parameters, and test duration. RESULTS: With no regard to the sensory status of an individual, there is little difference in static or dynamic balance performance between groups with shoes on or off, consistent with existing literature. When sensory status is factored into the analysis, significant performance differences (F(14,2) = 5771.9, p 0.001) are identified in all dynamic test variables. In addition, significant differences were noted in the eyes closed conditions (firm and foam) of static testing (CTSIB, p 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Footwear significantly influences performance during static dynamic balance testing for the Community dwelling older adults with somatosensory impairments.Includes bibliographical references.illustrations.b6542664
