Episode 1949 - Stimulating footwear: hype or helpful?
Apr 2, 2025
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Discover the debate surrounding stimulating foot orthotics designed to enhance balance in older adults. Dr. Dustin Jones discusses a recent study showing minimal benefits and raises concerns about misleading marketing aimed at seniors. He differentiates these trendy products from traditional orthotics that address mechanical issues, urging caution for those considering purchase. Tune in for a critical look at what works and what doesn't, and learn how to better support older patients in their physical therapy journey.
Stimulating foot orthotics, although marketed to improve balance for older adults, often lack empirical support and require critical evaluation.
While these orthotics may provide some benefits in stable conditions, they must be cautiously recommended, particularly for individuals with comorbidities.
Deep dives
Skepticism Around Stimulating Foot Orthotics
There is growing concern regarding marketing claims of stimulating foot orthotics, particularly how they promise to improve balance for older adults. Many previous products marketed towards this demographic lack empirical support, leading to skepticism among healthcare professionals. Despite the increased visibility of these new orthotics featuring knobs designed to stimulate foot mechanoreceptors, their actual effectiveness may not be as groundbreaking as suggested. This skepticism is rooted in the tendency of older adults to be bombarded with products that often fail to deliver on their promises, which calls for a critical evaluation of the evidence behind these orthotics.
Research Insights on Balance Improvement
A recent study investigated the effects of stimulating foot orthotics on postural balance using a computerized dynamic posturography analysis. The research included 23 healthy older adults, providing objective data on how these orthotics can influence balance performance in various static scenarios. Results indicated that the orthotics improved the composite equilibrium score, which reflects static balance, though they did not significantly enhance performance during perturbation-based tests. This suggests that while the orthotics may offer some benefits in maintaining balance under stable conditions, they might not be effective in response to unexpected shifts.
Cautions and Recommendations for Use
While stimulating foot orthotics may not be harmful and can present potential benefits, caution is advised when recommending them to older adults with comorbidities. Individuals with issues like peripheral neuropathy should be screened carefully since these orthotics' design can be bothersome and may pose risks if protective sensation is compromised. A prescribed gradual introduction to wearing the orthotics could help mitigate any discomfort or negative effects, similar to adapting to barefoot-style shoes. Overall, with appropriate screening and education, stimulating foot orthotics could serve as a supplementary tool for improving balance alongside established training and exercise strategies.
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Evaluating the Impact of Stimulating Foot Orthotics on Balance in Older Adults
In today's episode of the PT on ICE Daily Show, join Older Adult Division leader Dustin Jones discusses the topic of stimulating foot orthotics—products designed with protruding knobs aimed at improving balance. With an increasing number of inquiries from older adults about these orthotics, Dustin delves into the evidence surrounding their effectiveness, particularly a recent study on their impact on postural sway. He expresses skepticism about such products, noting the prevalence of misleading marketing targeting older adults and the potential for wasted money on ineffective solutions. Dustin highlights the distinction between traditional foot orthotics, which typically address mechanical issues, and these newer, more questionable options. Tune in for a critical examination of the claims made about stimulating foot orthotics and their actual benefits.
Take a listen to learn how to better serve this population of patients & athletes, or check out the full show notes on our blog at www.ptonice.com/blog.