Arch Support study - FootEFx on falls

[Guest guest]

Study Proves Risk of Older Adults Falling is Significantly Reduced by

Wearing Arch Supports

02 Apr 2005 Medical News Today

A recent study has proven that wearing a properly designed and fitted

arch support results in significant improvements in balance,

functional mobility, and reduced levels of pain in older adults. Poor

balance, limited functional mobility and lower extremity and back

pain increase the risk of falls in older adults. They can lower their

risk of falls by initiating self-care activities, such as wearing

arch supports, to improve balance, comfort and mobility.

FootEfx, a nationwide foot care retailer committed to bringing

customers comfort, relief and balance through their stress reducing

arch supports, is already a step ahead of the findings. FootEfx

employs podiatrists, pedorthists, researchers, trainers and other

foot care experts. FootEfx provides their customers with properly

designed and fitted arch supports, often at the recommendation of

physicians and other medical personnel. This study confirms what the

professionals at FootEfx have been telling their arch support clients

for years. Findings from the study are as follows: Falls are a

serious and costly health problem among older adults in the United

States. Age related changes, diseases, medication, improper foot care

and footwear affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Neglect

of the feet/improperly fitted shoes contribute to abnormal foot

mechanics causing areas of excessive pressure/pain.

Conducted by the Department of Nursing of Armstrong Atlantic State

University, Savannah, GA

Purpose:

To examine the effect of arch supports on balance, functional

mobility and back/lower extremity joint pain in older adults.

Participants were tested without and with arch supports at the

initial session, and again after 6 weeks of wearing them.

Instrumentation:

The Berg Balance Scale and TUG were used to assess balance and

functional mobility. The Numeric Pain Distress Scale was used to

assess pain.

Orthoses:

The Symmetry arch supports manufactured by Bio Orthotics, Plano, TX,

used in the study were custom fit to each individual using a Brannock

device to determine arch and shoe size, and a footprint to identify

areas of excessive pressure. The Symmetry product was selected for

the study because of its unique ability to support all four arches

while stimulating muscle movement and circulation. They require

a " break-in " period that most participants found acceptable.

Results:

Most participants reported compliance (wearing arch supports daily)

during the 6-week period. There was statistically significant

improvement in balance and functional mobility and a significant

decrease in pain in feet, knees, hips and back. There was no

statistical significant change in ankle pain. 85.1% of participants

indicated that they benefited from using arch supports. Self-reported

benefits included improved balance when walking, exercising, golfing,

and bowling. The participants indicated they were able to walk

better, stand longer, and experienced less pain in feet, ankles,

knees, hips and back.

Implications:

This study proves that wearing a properly designed and fitted arch

support results in significant improvements in balance, functional

mobility, and reduced levels of pain in older adults.

FootEfx Corporate Offices: 866-611-3668

View entire study at http://www.footefx.com

FootEfx

http://www.footefx.com