Standing on textured surfaces alters mediolateral postural sway in healthy older people
Anna L Hatton1, John Dixon1, Keith Rome2, Denis Martin1
1 Centre for Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Health & Social Care, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, UK 2 Division of Rehabilitation & Occupation Studies, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
Purpose: To investigate whether standing on textured surfaces alters postural sway variables and lower limb muscle activity in healthy older adults. Relevance: Previous studies have shown balance can be improved by surfaces with texture compared to those that are smooth[1,2]. Textured footwear interventions can also influence lower limb muscle activity, possibly by providing enhanced sensory input[3]. No study has investigated the effect of texture on postural stability and lower limb muscle activity in older people. Subjects: 50 healthy older adults (29 female); mean (SD) age 75.1 (5.0) were investigated. Methods: Ethical approval was granted by the School of Health & Social Care Research Governance and Ethics Committee at the University of Teesside. Anterior-posterior and mediolateral sway variables and lower limb EMG intensity in five muscles were collected synchronously over 20 seconds of bipedal standing, with eyes open and closed, under three randomised conditions; Control, Texture 1, Texture 2. Analysis: One-way repeated measures ANOVA Results: Texture 1 significantly reduced mediolateral sway range compared to control, when standing quietly with eyes closed. Mean (95% confidence interval) difference between these surfaces was 1.7 (0.2 to 3.3) mm. No such effects were seen in anterior-posterior sway or lower limb EMG activity, for either visual condition. Discussion: Textured surfaces can improve standing balance in healthy older people. Alterations in balance were not accompanied by any detectable changes in lower limb muscle activity. The potential to help reduce the risk of falling in older people using textured surfaces requires further investigation.
Support
Funding: Dunhill Medical Trust / British Geriatrics Society Fellowship
References
1. Corbin D, Hart J, Palmieri–Smith R, et al. The effect of textured insoles on postural control in double and single limb stance. J Sport Rehabil. 2007;16:363–372. 2. Watanabe I, Okubo J. The role of plantar mechanoreceptors in equilibrium control. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1981;77:855–877. 3. Nurse M, Hulliger M, Wakeling J, et al. Changing the texture of footwear can alter gait patterns. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2005;15:496–506.