Satoh A, Kudoh Y, Lee S, Saitoh M, Miura M, Ohnuma Y, Fukushi N, Ono A, Sasaki H. Toe Clearance Rehabilitative Slippers for Older Adults With Fall Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil 2021;
12:21514593211029102. [PMID:
34350055 PMCID:
PMC8293852 DOI:
10.1177/21514593211029102]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
To evaluate fall-prevention rehabilitative slippers for use by self-caring, independent older adults.
Materials and Methods:
This assessor-blinded, randomized, and controlled 1-year study included 59 self-caring, independent participants (49 women) who attended day services. The mean age of participants was 84.0 ± 5.3 years. Participants were randomly selected from 8 nursing homes. We tested slippers top-weighted with a lead bead (200, 300, or 400 g). Intervention group participants walked while wearing the slippers for 10-20 min, 1-3 days/week at the day service center. Fall risk was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) before and at 3-month intervals after the intervention/control phase.
Results:
After 12 months, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement. Berg Balance and POMA compared to the control group (p < .05 p < .01, respectively). Mobility scores improved significantly for both measurements in the intervention group before and after (p < .01), but the control group had significantly lower scores.
Discussion:
Overall, falls decreased in the intervention group from 10 to 7, and control group falls increased from 9 to 16 (p = .02). No adverse events related to the intervention were reported.
Conclusions:
Rehabilitation training slippers may reduce falls in older adults.
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