Effects of a 12-week intrinsic foot muscle strengthening training (STIFF) on gait in older adults: a parallel randomized controlled trial protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Falling is highly prevalent among older adults and has serious impact. Age-induced mobility impairments, such as gait modifications, are strongly associated with increased fall risk. Among fall prevention interventions, those including exercises are most effective. However, there is an urgent need to further improve these kinds of interventions. Strengthening the plantar intrinsic foot muscles might benefit mobility in older adults, which may contribute to the reduction of fall risk. The aim of this paper is to provide a protocol to investigate the effect of a plantar intrinsic foot muscle strengthening training versus no training on gait and intrinsic foot muscle function in older adults who are involved in a functional exercise program.

Methods

For this assessor

SUBMITTER: Willemse L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11542310 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature