Article

The wearing of socks and insoles may affect the ability of the foot
to detect tactile input influencing postural balance.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this
study was to investigate whether (1) thick socks adversely affected the elderly
postural balance and (2) orthopedic insoles could improve the elderly postural
balance while wearing thick socks. STUDY DESIGN: Repeated-measures study design.
METHODS: In total, 14 healthy older adults were recruited. A monofilament test
was conducted to evaluate foot plantar sensation with and without thick socks.
Subjects then performed the Romberg tests under three conditions: (1) barefoot,
(2) with socks only, and (3) with both socks and insoles. Postural balance was
assessed by measuring the center of pressure movement during standing in each
experimental condition. RESULTS: Thick socks significantly decreased the
monofilament score ( p < 0.001), suggesting reduction in ability to detect
external forces. All center of pressure parameters increased significantly while
wearing thick socks ( p < 0.017), implying reduction of postural stability. They
then decreased significantly with the additional use of insoles ( p < 0.017).
CONCLUSION: Previous studies have documented the changes in plantar pressure
distribution with the use of orthopedic insoles. This study further suggests that
such changes in contact mechanics could produce some balance-improving effects,
which appears not to have been reported earlier. Clinical relevance Wearing thick
socks reduces plantar pressure sensitivity and increases postural sway which may
increase risk of falls. Orthopedic insoles and footwear with similar design could
potentially be a cost-effective method in maintaining postural balance when
wearing thick socks.

Langue : ANGLAIS