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The aim of the study was to assess the characteristics of footwear altogether and to compare the effect of appropriate-fitting and ill-fitting footwear on functional performance, balance, and fear of falling (FoF) in older adults. Individuals who wore appropriate-fitting (n = 61) or ill-fitting footwear (n = 92) were enrolled in the study. Footwear was evaluated using the Footwear Assessment Scale (FAS). The participants were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, the Timed Up and Go test for functional performance and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale for FoF. Tests were conducted twice for each individual with or without footwear. Differences between the groups were analyzed using the MANOVA for scores of balance, performance and fear of falling and Chi-squared test for homogeneity. The Paired t-test was used to compare test scores with or without footwear. It was concluded that appropriate-fitting footwear improves balance, reduces fear of falling and may affect functional performance positively. ClinicalTrials.gov No: NCT04151654., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The Author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Postural stability (PS) problems arise as individuals grow older, and as a result, risk of falling (RoF) increases in older adults. We sought to examine the effects of insoles of various thicknesses on PS and RoF in older adults., Methods: Fifty-six study participants had PS and RoF evaluated statically and dynamically under five different conditions: barefoot, only-shoes, with 5-mm insoles, with 10-mm insoles, and with 15-mm insoles. Standard shoes with identical features were used. To avoid time-dependent problems, these assessments were performed under the same conditions in 3 consecutive weeks. The average of these three values was recorded., Results: Insoles of different thicknesses significantly affected static PS (overall: P =.003; mediolateral [ML]: P =.021; anteroposterior [AP]: P =.006), static RoF (overall, ML, and AP: P < .001), dynamic RoF (overall: P = .003; ML: P = .042; AP: P = .050), and dynamic PS (overall: P = .034; AP: P = .041) but not dynamic PS ML (P = .071). For static PS overall, dynamic PS AP, static RoF overall and ML, and dynamic RoF overall and ML, the highest PS scores and the lowest RoF were recorded when using 10-mm insoles (P < .05)., Conclusions: The use of insoles of different thicknesses has been shown to be effective on all RoF and PS measurements except dynamic PS ML. The 10-mm-thick insole was a better option for elderly individuals to increase PS and reduce RoF compared. For older adults, 10-mm-thick insoles made of medium-density Plastozote may be recommended to help improve PS and reduce RoF.

Purpose: Visual and proprioceptive cues are important for body orientation to maintain correct posture. This study investigated the effects of exercise training on subjective visual, postural, and haptic perception of verticality in patients with scoliosis., Subjects and Methods: Thirty-two female adolescents with moderate idiopathic scoliosis were randomly allocated to "Core Stabilization Exercise (CSE)," "Body Awareness," or "Traditional Exercise (TE)" groups. Each group completed a 1-hour supervised program, two days per week for 10 weeks while continuing to wear spinal braces. Perceptual visual, postural, and haptic estimates were assessed before and after treatment., Results: Subjective visual vertical perception only improved in the awareness group. Subjective visual horizontal perception, postural vertical perception, total postural perception scores, total haptic perception scores, and haptic perception 45° to the right were significantly improved in the stabilization and awareness groups. For the 60° right and 60° left postural perception parameters, as well as the 45° left haptic perception parameters, perception improved only in the stabilization group. No improvement was observed in the traditional group., Conclusion: Improvements in visual, postural, and haptic verticality perception within the stabilization exercise training and Basic Body Awareness group treatment suggest the addition of these exercise methods for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis to improve internal body orientation.

Background: Core stabilization training is used to improve postural balance in musculoskeletal problems., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of stabilization training in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis., Study Design: A randomized controlled trial, pretest-posttest design., Methods: In total, 25 subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomly divided into two groups: stabilization group ( n = 12) and control group ( n = 13). The stabilization group received core stabilization in addition to traditional rehabilitation, and the control group received traditional rehabilitation for 10 weeks. Assessment included Cobb's angle on radiograph, apical vertebral rotation in Adam's test, trunk asymmetry (Posterior Trunk Symmetry Index), cosmetic trunk deformity (Trunk Appearance Perception Scale), and quality of life (Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire)., Results: Inter-group comparisons showed significantly greater improvements in the mean change in lumbar apical vertebral rotation degree and the pain domain of Scoliosis Research Society-22 in the stabilization group than those in the control group ( p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for other measurements between the groups; however, trends toward greater improvement were observed in the stabilization group., Conclusion: Core stabilization training in addition to traditional exercises was more effective than traditional exercises alone in the correction of vertebral rotation and reduction of pain in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Clinical relevance Stabilization exercises are more effective in reducing rotation deformity and pain than traditional exercises in the conservative rehabilitation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. These improvements suggest that stabilization training should be added to rehabilitation programs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: Taping is an effective temporary therapy for improving hallux valgus (HV) in adults. Although HV has been demonstrated to impair postural balance, there is a lack of information about how corrective taping affects balance and gait patterns in adults with HV deformity., Methods: Eighteen middle-aged female patients (average age, 53.5 years) with HV were included. Corrective tape was applied to correct HV angulation. A series of balance and gait stability tests were performed before applying tape and 1 hour after the tape was applied with a Balance Master computerized posturography device. The study involved the following tests: modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance (mCTSIB), unilateral stance (US), limit of stability (LoS), step up/over (SUO), and walk across (WA) tests., Results: No significant difference was found between the no-tape and taped condition in the static balance mCTSIB and US tests ( P > .05). The taping intervention resulted in significant improvement in the dynamic balance measures for the LoS test's backward reaction time and left maximum excursion ( P < .05), a significantly higher impact index bilaterally in the SUO assessment ( P < .05), and an increase in step width mean and variability in the WA test ( P < .05)., Conclusions: Taping for correcting HV angulation had negative acute effects on dynamic balance in the SUO and WA tests and positive effects in the LoS test., Clinical Relevance: Corrective taping, although a form of conservative treatment for hallux valgus, has been insufficiently studied in terms of effects on balance. Our results show that taping, as an acute effect, may impair balance in middle-aged adults when walking or ascending and descending stairs.

Background: Automatic and voluntary body position control is essential for postural stability; however, little is known about individual factors that impair the sensorimotor system associated with low back pain (LBP)., Objective: To evaluate automatic and voluntary motor control impairments causing postural instability in patients with LBP., Methods: Motor control impairments associated with poor movement and balance control were analyzed prospectively in 32 patients with LBP. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain assessment, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability measurement, and computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) for analysis of postural responses were used to measure outcomes of all patients. Computerized dynamic posturography tests including Sensory organization test (SOT), limits of stability test (movement velocity, directional control, endpoint, and maximum excursion), rhythmic weight shift (rhythmic movement speed and directional control), and adaptation test (toes-up and toes-down tests) were performed and the results compared with NeuroCom normative data., Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.50 ± 12.28 years. Lower equilibrium scores were observed in SOT (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in reaction time and decrease in movement velocity, directional control, and endpoint excursion (p < 0.05). Speed of rhythmic movement along the anteroposterior direction decreased, while speed increased along the lateral direction (p < 0.05). Poor directional control was recorded in the anteroposterior direction (p < 0.05). Toes-down test showed an increased COG sway in patients compared with that in the controls (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: LBP causes poor voluntary control of body positioning, a reduction in movement control, delays in movement initiation, and a difficulty to adapt to sudden surface changes.

Background: Despite the positive effects of spinal braces on postural stability, they may constrain movement, resulting in poor balance control in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Therefore, assessment of postural dynamics may aid in designing new less-constraining braces., Objectives: The effects of a spinal brace on postural stability and Cobb angle were investigated in this study., Methods: Thirteen pediatric patients (10 females, three males) with AIS were recruited to participate in the study. Cobb angle was assessed by X-ray analyses, and postural stability was tested by computerized dynamic posturography in braced and unbraced conditions. A polyethylene underarm corrective spinal brace was fabricated for the subjects., Results: Thoracic and lumbar curvature decreased to 18.88 ± 11.73° and 17.70 ± 10.58°, respectively, after bracing (p < 0.05). Lower equilibrium scores were observed in the "eyes closed" condition and higher scores in the "eyes closed with a swaying support" condition; higher composite equilibrium scores were also observed for the sensory organization test (p < 0.05) in the braced condition. Lower scores were observed for the "toes-up adaptation test" in the braced condition (p < 0.05). In the braced condition, the reaction time was slower in the right-backward direction and movement velocity was higher in the right-front direction on the limits of stability test (p < 0.05). Furthermore, lower on-axis velocity during forward/backward dynamic balance control was observed in the braced condition (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Wearing a spinal brace improved postural stability in terms of increased proprioception, equilibrium performance, and rhythmic movement ability in patients with AIS., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Lumbar lordosis is important for the spine and pelvis to work in harmony in providing trunk control and maintaining sagittal balance. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have difficulties in providing trunk postural control and balance, which is critical for independence in daily living activities. This study was planned to examine the immediate effect of a lower-trunk orthosis supporting physiological lumbar lordosis on trunk control and upper-limb functionality in children with CP. Objectives and Methods: A total of 30 children with CP, 13 diparetic, 11 hemiparetic, and 6 ataxic, 21 ambulatory (GMFCS I/II), and 9 nonambulatory (GMFCS III/IV) aged 3-16 years were included in the study. The Pediatric Functional Reach Test (PFRT) and the Seated Postural Control Measure (SPCM) were used to assess trunk control; the Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS) was used to assess balance; and the Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) were used to evaluate upper-limb functions. All tests were performed with and without a soft lumbosacral brace. The braces were made of soft, elastic fabric with steel, and weremade by the orthotic technician in four different sizes. The angle of lordosis was adjusted with steel underwires according to each child. The existing physiological lordosis of the child is supported by the brace. It is not intended to increase or decrease. Results: In the study, the results of all evaluations with a brace were better than those without a brace (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found only in the functional part of the SPCM test (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Our study revealed that soft lumbosacral orthosis, which supports physiological lordosis, has a positive effect on trunk stability and upper-limb functionality in children with CP. Clinical Relevance: In children's trunk stability and upper-limb functionality studies, the use of soft lumbosacral orthosis that supports physiological lordosis can be added to rehabilitation programs and daily living activities as a support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: Postural stability organizes body orientation in the upright stance and daily activities. Postural stability is affected by the trunk asymmetry and deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The aim of this study was to compare mild and moderate curves in terms of postural stability in patients with AIS. Material and Methods: Thirty subjects, with right thoracic and left lumbar scoliosis, and in the age range of 13 - 15 years, were included in the study. Fifteen subjects had mild curves (10-20° of Cobb) while the other fifteen had moderate curves (21-45° of Cobb). Postural stability was tested with the Computerized Dynamic Posturography Somatosensorial Organization Test. Inter-group comparisons were performed with Mann-Whitney U test statistics. Results: Thoracic curve magnitude was 13.46 ± 1.98° and lumbar curve magnitude was 11.8 ± 6.18° for the mild group. For the moderate group, thoracic curve magnitude was 30.6 ± 10.0° and lumbar curve magnitude was 28.1 ± 7.6°. Higher scores were observed in the "eyes open, swayed vision" and "eyes open, swayed vision and swayed support" conditions for the moderate group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for other test conditions between the groups. conclusion: This study demonstrated that patients with moderate curves had better equilibrium reactions and postural stability adaptations when compared to patients with mild curves in AIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate functional profiles of the feet and its relation to the balance in asymptomatic elderly people. Materials and Method: We assessed 114 asymptomatic elderly subjects (34 men and 80 women) with a mean age of 67.2±3.4 years (range 65-80 years) using computerized baropodometric and analysis in standing and walking conditions. Load on the forefoot, rearfoot and total foot, support surface of the foot, foot angle, mean and maximum pressures exerted on the ground, cadence, gait velocity and step width parameters were assessed with baropodometric analysis. To evaluate balance, stabilometric analysis was performed and center of pressure excursions were measured. Results: The baropodometric analysis revealed a significantly greater support surface and total load in the static condition and larger foot angle in the dynamic condition for the right foot than for the left one among women. However, there was no asymmetry between the right and left feet among men. Gait velocity was higher in men than in women; when standing, the foot angle and total load of the left foot was greater in men than in women. Center of pressure excursions were significantly greater in women compared to the men in anterior-posterior and in medio-lateral direction. Conclusion: The results suggest that compared with elderly men, elderly women are more likely to develop functional left-right foot asymmetries in static and balance disturbances in dynamic conditions. These conditions should be considered as possible causes for increased risk of fall in elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Geriatrics / Türk Geriatri Dergisi is the property of Turkish Geriatrics Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)