Proper footwear serves to protect the foot against external factors. Balance and functional performance are affected by the level of footwear suitability. This study was designed to investigate the effects of footwear suitability on functional performance levels and balance in the elderly.
The function of proper a footwear is to protect the foot against external factors. Balance and functional performance are affected by the level of footwear suitability. Particularly in elderly who have generally balance disorders and falling, footwear suitability is very important. Thus this study was designed to investigate the effects of footwear suitability on functional performance level and balance in elderly. The Footwear Assessment Score was used to assess parameters such as the design materials for footwear (upper and base), bending point, width, height of the toe box, getting out of the foot when walking, heel height, footwear style, wearing of the heel, and the distance between the longest toe and the end of the footwear. Thus, footwear was evaluated in many parameters. In the literature, there are studies in which footwear was evaluated in only parameter such as height of heel.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
154
It was assessed using the Sharpened Romberg test and Single Leg Stance test for static balance. It was assessed Berg Balance Scale for dynamic balance, and Timed Up and Go test for functional performance. Balance and performance tests were done with and without footwear in all individuals.
Footwear Assessment Score
It was used to assess parameters such as the design materials for footwear (upper and base), bending point, width, height of the toe box, getting out of the foot when walking, heel height, footwear style, wearing of the heel, and the distance between the longest toe and the end of the footwear. A score of 30 on the scale represents the highest suitability level and the score taken from the scale indicates the suitability level of the footwear.
Time frame: through study completion, average one hour
Berg Balance Scale
Test was used to evaluate participants' ability to maintain their balance when performing functional activities. A BERG score of 0 and 4 points for each variable assessed represents safe and independent execution of assigned tasks (normal performance), and unsafe and dependent execution of assigned tasks (unable to perform a task), respectively. This amounts to a total score of 56 points.The Turkish version of the scale was used and a cumulative score of 0-20 indicates high risk, 21-40 moderate risk and 41-56 low risk. The test was repeated twice; with and without footwear.
Time frame: through study completion, average one hour
Functional Performance Evaluation
Timed Up and Go test (TUG) was used for evaluation of the functional performance. This test is important in terms of the assessment of mobility and balance. The participants were asked to stand from a sitting position, walk 3 m, turn back and sit back to the chair again. The test shows that it is an independent and reliable, as it involves most activities in everyday life. Duration of test was recorded. the performance duration was defined as normal balance (up to 12 s), good balance (up to 10 s) impaired balance (11-20 s) impaired balance-low risk of falling (11-20 s), and high risk of falling (longer than 20 s).
Time frame: through study completion, average one hour
Sharpened Romberg
Participants were asked to remain standing, on a straight line with one leg behind the other leg, leaving the arms sagging and without impairing the balance. Four measurements involving; right foot at behind with footwear, right foot at behind without footwear, left foot at behind with footwear, and left foot at behind without footwear were taken. Duration stop criteria were defined as the time it took a participant to dislocate the foot, reach the maximal duration of 30 sec, and contact the observer to avoid falling. h-Higher scores mean a better outcome.
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Time frame: through study completion, average one hour
Single Leg Stance Test
Duration of standing was measured in participants standing with dangling arms, with and without footwear. Maximal duration of test is 30 sec. Higher scores mean a better outcome.
Time frame: through study completion, average one hour