Low additional thickness under the toes could change upright balance of healthy subjects

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of an additional thickness placed under the toes (TUT) on the CoP measures and to determine the optimum thickness required to maximize the postural control performance. Four conditions were compared: TUT 0 (control), 0.8, 3, and 6mm and four variables were computed from the CoP displacements. These results suggest that the lowest TUT could contribute to changing balance control, and may have clinical interest. This brings perspectives in the management of patients with risk of falling or with chronic pain syndromes, complementing validated therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Foot orthoses; Postural control; Sensory; Toes.