فهرست مطالب عاطفه ابوترابی

 The present study aims to investigate the effect of shoes with toe rocker angles of 10 and 15 degrees, compared to control shoes, on the plantar pressure distribution, force, and contact surface in healthy older adults to help maintain the independence and function of the elderly and prevent possible injuries.

 In this clinical trial, 35 healthy older adults (15 males and 20 females) with mean age of 65.2±4.37 years, who were selected using a convenience sampling method from those with no lower limb deformity, no orthopedic and neurological diseases, and with ability to walk without assistance devices. Three types of shoes were used including traditional shoes as controls, shoes with a toe rocker angle of 10 degrees, and shoes with a toe rocker angle of 15 degrees. The maximum plantar pressure in eight anatomical areas were measured using the Pedar system. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis.

There was no significant difference in pressure distribution (P>‌0.05), force (P>‌0.05) and contact surface (P>‌0.05) in eight anatomical areas of the sole of the feet between the three study groups.

It seems that the use of shoes with toe rockers do not affect the plantar pressure distribution, force and contact surface in older adults. These shoes can be used without the fear of changing the plantar pressure distribution and causing pain and injury in the elderly.

 Balance is one of the indicators to determine independence in performing daily activities in the elderly. One of the influential factors in postural control and balance is walking speed. This study aims to evaluate the effect of rocker soles at two degrees of 10 and 15 on the walking speed and balance of the elderly.

The study participants were 19 older adults aged 60 years or older (13 women and 6 men; mean age=66.1 years, mean height=1.63 m, mean weight=70.3 kg). Three models of shoes were used: shoes with a 10-degree rocker sole angle, shoes with a 15-degree rocker sole angle, and control shoes. Walknig speed was evaluated with 10-m walking test, while balance and dynamic postural control were assessed with the Berg balance Scale (BBS) and Star Excursion balance test, respectively. The Shapiro-Wilks test was used to examine the normality of data distribution, and repeated-measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the effects of different rocker angles on balance and walking speed. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS v. 22.

 There was no significant difference in walking speed (P= 0.993), dynamic postural balance at anterior (P= 0.835), posterolateral (P= 0.86), and posteromedial (P= 0.598) directions and balance obtained from BBS (P= 0.625) among the groups using three shoe models.

 It seems that the use of rocker sole shoes does not affect the balance and walking speed of the elderly. This study supports the administration of shoes with toe-only rocker soles to the elderly.