Effects of Footwear Suitability on Functional Performance and Balance in Elderly

Investigating the Effects of Footwear Suitability on Functional Performance Level and Balance in Elderly

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject has not musculoskeletal injury within the last year.
• Subject has not needed gait assistance for ambulation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of psychiatric, neurological and cognitive diseases.
• history of visual and hearing problems.
• Has poor coordination.
• History of chronic diseases and acute pain.
• has diabetic foot.