Effects of Long-Term Minimal Footwear Use on Fall-Risk and Fall Incidence in Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Foot-related factors, such as plantar foot muscle weakness, hallux valgus, hammer toe, excessive pronation, and foot pain, are known causes of falls in older adults (ages >65). Minimally cushioned footwear may naturally strengthen and provide enhanced sensory awareness to the feet, leading to reduced fall risk. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of long-term minimal footwear use on fall risk and fall incidence in older adults with established fall risk.

Methods

Adult volunteers ages >65 were screened for fall risk and randomized into minimal footwear (n = 33) and control (sham intervention, n = 32) groups. Participants performed intervention or control activities 5×/week for 16 weeks and then at least 2×/week for the remainder of the 1-year stu

SUBMITTER: Futrell E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12904649 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature