Study of a Foot Health Program Using Minimalist Shoes to Reduce Fall Risks in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the impact of a foot health program that includes minimalist footwear on mobility and fall risk factors in older adults living in nursing homes. This pilot study focuses on people aged 65 and older, aiming to improve their foot health and reduce falls, which are a leading cause of accidental death and hospitalization in this group in France. The program lasts 12 weeks and is divided into three phases. The first phase involves weekly individual plantar massage sessions combined with foot stimulation exercises. The second phase introduces weekly workshops on foot mobility, posture, and walking, during which participants start wearing minimalist shoes provided free of charge. The third phase continues with these workshops while participants wear the minimalist shoes both during and outside the sessions. Participants will attend weekly workshops and receive foot massages by trained health professionals. Researchers will measure changes in mobility before and immediately after the program. They will also assess factors like balance, toe strength, ankle movement, fear of falling, foot pain, shoe satisfaction, shoe usage hours, and the number of falls before, after, and up to 12 weeks following the program. The study aims to monitor these outcomes to understand how the program affects fall risk over time.

Evaluation of a Foot Health Program Incorporating Minimalist Footwear on Fall Risk Factors in Older People Living in Senior Nursing Homes: a Pilot Study.