The Effects of 3D Custom Foot Orthotics with Mechanical Plantar Stimulation in Older Individuals with Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study

Recent scientific evidence supports the idea that foot plantar stimulation increases the functional connectivity of brain regions involved in visuo-spatial and sensory-motor integration. In this before-after, non-randomised intervention study we assessed the change in several gait and postural parameters using inertial sensor measurements after acute plantar stimulation using custom 3D-printed insoles. The pilot study was performed on 22 institutionalised, older individuals with a high comorbidity burden who either walked autonomously or with the help of a cane. The intensity of the effects in the first mechanical plantar stimulation session (at one week) strongly predicted a change in the 180 degrees turn duration (p < 0.05) and the standard deviation of the step duration (p < 0.05) during the timed up-and-go test. Based on these effects, researchers also predicted decreases in some postural parameters such as the root mean square of displacement on the anterior-posterior axis (p < 0.01). Thus, these preliminary findings provide a strong rationale for performing controlled clinical trials with larger samples to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of mechanical plantar stimulation in frail elderly individuals.

Automated summary

Recent scientific evidence suggests that mechanical plantar stimulation can enhance functional connectivity in brain regions and improve gait and posture in older individuals. Acute plantar stimulation was found to have positive effects on various parameters, indicating the need for larger clinical trials to further investigate its efficacy.