Effects of Using Insoles of Different Thicknesses in Older Adults: Which Thickness Has the Best Effect on Postural Stability and Risk of Falling?

Author(s):  
Öznur Büyükturan ◽  
Serdar Demirci ◽  
Buket Büyükturan ◽  
Yavuz Yakut

Background Postural stability (PS) problems arise as individuals grow older, and as a result, risk of falling (RoF) increases in older adults. We sought to examine the effects of insoles of various thicknesses on PS and RoF in older adults. Methods Fifty-six study participants had PS and RoF evaluated statically and dynamically under five different conditions: barefoot, only-shoes, with 5-mm insoles, with 10-mm insoles, and with 15-mm insoles. Standard shoes with identical features were used. To avoid time-dependent problems, these assessments were performed under the same conditions in 3 consecutive weeks. The average of these three values was recorded. Results Insoles of different thicknesses significantly affected static PS (overall: P =.003; mediolateral [ML]: P =.021; anteroposterior [AP]: P =.006), static RoF (overall, ML, and AP: P < .001), dynamic RoF (overall: P = .003; ML: P = .042; AP: P = .050), and dynamic PS (overall: P = .034; AP: P = .041) but not dynamic PS ML (P = .071). For static PS overall, dynamic PS AP, static RoF overall and ML, and dynamic RoF overall and ML, the highest PS scores and the lowest RoF were recorded when using 10-mm insoles (P < .05). Conclusions The use of insoles of different thicknesses has been shown to be effective on all RoF and PS measurements except dynamic PS ML. The 10-mm-thick insole was a better option for elderly individuals to increase PS and reduce RoF compared. For older adults, 10-mm-thick insoles made of medium-density Plastozote may be recommended to help improve PS and reduce RoF.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 11885
Author(s):  
Hyokeun Lee ◽  
Kyungseok Byun

This study aimed to examine how older adults (OA) control their postural stability after stepping on a stair in comparison to young adults (YA). Ten OA and 10 YA participated in this study. Participants ascended a single stair (15 cm high by 30 cm wide) which was secured atop one of the force plates. Ground reaction forces (GRFs) and center of pressure (COP) motion data were obtained from the force plate under the stair. After standing on the stair with both feet, GRFs and COP data for a 3 s duration were analyzed to assess postural variables, including time to stabilization (TTS), COP velocity (COPVEL), and COP sway area (COPSWAY). A significant difference in TTS in the anterior–posterior direction between OA and YA (p = 0.032) was observed, indicating that OA had difficulty stabilizing their body posture after the stair ascent compared to YA. For COP postural variables, no significant differences in COPVEL (p = 0.455) and COPSWAY (p = 0.176) were observed between OA and YA. Study findings indicate that older adults have less capacity to regain postural stability compared to young adults following a challenging dynamic movement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 271-271
Author(s):  
Yuxiao Li ◽  
Minhui Liu ◽  
Christina Miyawaki ◽  
Xiaocao Sun ◽  
Tianxue Hou ◽  
...  

Abstract Frailty is a clinical syndrome that becomes increasingly common as people age. Subjective age refers to how young or old individuals experience themselves to be. It is associated with many risk factors of frailty, such as increased depression, worse cognitive function, and poorer psychological wellbeing. In this study, we examined the relationship between subjective age and frailty using the 2011-2015 waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Participants were community-dwelling older adults without frailty in the initial wave (N=1,165). Subjective age was measured by asking participants, “What age do you feel most of the time?” Based on the Fried five phenotypic criteria: exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, low physical activity, slow gait, and weak grip strength, frailty was categorized into robust=0, pre-frail=1 or 2; frail=3 or more criteria met. Participants were, on average, 74.1±6.5 years old, female (52%), and non-Hispanic White (81%). Eighty-five percent of the participants felt younger, and 3% felt older than their chronological age, but 41% of them were pre-frail/frail. Generalized estimating equations revealed that an “older” subjective age predicted a higher likelihood of pre-frailty and frailty (OR, 95%CI= 1.01, 1.01-1.02). In contrast, frailty predicted an “older” subjective age (OR, 95%CI= 2.97, 1.65-5.35) adjusting for demographics and health conditions. These findings suggest a bidirectional relationship between subjective age and frailty. Older people who feel younger than their chronological age are at reduced risk of becoming pre-frail/frail. Intervention programs to delay frailty progression should include strategies that may help older adults perceive a younger subjective age.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Nicolas Amiez ◽  
Carole Cometti ◽  
Éric Mouillon ◽  
Marie José Teisseire ◽  
Pascal Chenut ◽  
...  

The risk of falling increases with age. Individuals wearing unadapted shoes present an aggravating risk factor. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of specifically designed balance shoes on balance and postural stability in healthy elderly people compared to that of their usual shoes. In total, 21 healthy individuals aged 65–84 years (76.0 ± 8.0 years) performed balance tests (bipedal with open or closed eyes, unipedal with open eyes, limits of stability, and step cadence) while wearing their (i) personal shoes or (ii) balance shoes (Axis Comfort Development©). Three test sessions were conducted with personal and balance shoes. The first served as the baseline, and the other two were performed after a familiarization period of several days with the personal or balance shoes. The perception of balance shoe efficiency was documented using a questionnaire. The balance shoes significantly improved bipedal balance with closed eyes. Moreover, the familiarization period significantly improved unipedal balance with open eyes. Most subjects felt safer and stabler using balance shoes. The investigated specifically designed balance shoes were effective in elderly individuals in improving postural balance compared to personal shoes. The balance shoes could, therefore, reduce the falling risk in healthy elderly people.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarikuwa Natnael ◽  
Mistir Lingerew ◽  
Metadel Adane

Abstract Background Diarrheal disease is still one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in children under five in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Lack of specific data on the prevalence of acute diarrhea and associated factors among under-five children in the semi-urban areas of Gelsha, found in northeastern Ethiopia’s South Wollo zone, remains a major gap. Therefore, this study was designed to provide data that is important for proper planning of intervention measures to reduce the problem in this area. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 systematically selected children under five in semi-urban areas of Gelsha from January to March 2019. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Bivariable (crude odds ratio [COR]) and multivariable analysis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]) were employed using binary logistic regression model with 95% CI (confidence interval). Variables with a p-value < 0.05 from the multivariable analysis were declared as factors significantly associated with acute diarrhea. Result The prevalence of acute diarrhea among children under five in the study area was 11% (95%CI: 7.8–14.3%). About two-thirds (63.60%) of study participants used water from improved sources. About half (54.90%) of study participants practiced poor handwashing and 45.10% practiced good handwashing. We found that factors significantly associated with acute diarrhea were a child’s age of 12–23 months (AOR = 4.68, 95% CI: 1.45–1.50), the presence of two or more under-five children in the house (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.19–6.81), unimproved water sources (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.28–6.87) and presence of feces around the pit hole/slab/floor of the latrine (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.34–8.31). Conclusion The prevalence of acute diarrhea among children under five was relatively high. To reduce the problem, various prevention strategies are essential, such as the provision of health education to mothers/caregivers that focuses on keeping sanitation facilities clean and child care, and construction of improved water sources. Furthermore, implementing a strong health extension program, advocating an open defecation-free environment, and practicing a community-led total sanitation and hygiene approach might be helpful to sustainably reduce childhood diarrhea.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 216-216
Author(s):  
Ahmed Shakarchi ◽  
Emmanuel Garcia Morales ◽  
Nicholas Reed ◽  
Bonnielin Swenor

Abstract Sensory impairment (SI) is common among older adults, and it is an increasingly important public health challenge as the population ages. We evaluated the association between SI and incident disability-related cessation of employment in older adults using the population-based Health and Retirement Study. Participants employed in 2006 completed biennial interviews until self-reported incident disability-related cessation of employment. Participants were censored at loss to follow-up, retirement, or 2018. Participants rated their vision and hearing, using eyeglasses or hearing aids if applicable, on a Likert scale (poor, fair, good, very good, excellent). SI was defined as poor or fair ability, and SI was categorized as neither SI (NSI), vision impairment alone (VI), hearing impairment alone (HI), and dual SI (DSI). Cox proportional hazard regression assessed the association between SI and incident disability-related cessation of employment, adjusting for demographic and health covariates. Overall, 4726 participants were included: 421 (8.9%) were with VI, 487 (10.3) with HI, and 203 (4.3%) with DSI. Mean age was 61.0 ± 6.8 years, 2488 (52.6%) were women, and 918 (19.4) were non-White. In the fully adjusted model, incident disability-related cessation of employment over the 12-year follow-up period was higher in VI (Hazard Ratio (HR)=1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92, 1.85), HI (HR=1.60, CI=1.16, 2.22), and DSI (HR=2.02, CI=1.38, 2.96). These findings indicate that employed older adults with SI are at increased risk of incident disability-related cessation of employment, and that older adults with DSI are particularly vulnerable. Addressing SI in older adults may lengthen their contribution to the workforce.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G L Dunietz ◽  
R D Chervin ◽  
J F Burke ◽  
A S Conceicao ◽  
T J Braley

Abstract Study Objectives To examine associations between PAP therapy, adherence and incident diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia not-otherwise-specified (DNOS) in older adults. Methods This retrospective study utilized Medicare 5% fee-for-service claims data of 53,321 beneficiaries, aged 65+, with an OSA diagnosis prior to 2011. Study participants were evaluated using ICD-9 codes for neurocognitive syndromes [AD(n=1,057), DNOS(n=378), and MCI(n=443)] that were newly-identified between 2011-2013. PAP treatment was defined as presence of ≥1 durable medical equipment (HCPCS) code for PAP supplies. PAP adherence was defined as ≥2 HCPCS codes for PAP equipment, separated by≥1 month. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic and health characteristics, were used to estimate associations between PAP treatment or adherence and new AD, DNOS, and MCI diagnoses. Results In this sample of Medicare beneficiaries with OSA, 59% were men, 90% were non-Hispanic whites and 62% were younger than 75y. The majority (78%) of beneficiaries with OSA were prescribed PAP (treated), and 74% showed evidence of adherent PAP use. In adjusted models, PAP treatment was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD and DNOS (OR=0.78, 95% CI:0.69-0.89; and OR=0.69, 95% CI:0.55-0.85). Lower odds of MCI, approaching statistical significance, were also observed among PAP users (OR=0.82, 95% CI:0.66-1.02). PAP adherence was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD (OR=0.65, 95% CI:0.56-0.76). Conclusions PAP treatment and adherence are independently associated with lower odds of incident AD diagnoses in older adults. Results suggest that treatment of OSA may reduce risk of subsequent dementia.


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