Influence of Footwear on Fall

Abstract

It has been shown that several gait parameters are predictive for fall risk in older persons. There is evidence that footwear can influence foot position and gait patterns, especially in older persons. We carried out experiments to study the effects of type of footwear on gait patterns in persons aged 60+. We found an association between the type of footwear and certain gait parameters that are predictive for falls. In conclusion footwear can increase fall risk. Footwear for older people should be designed in such a way that risk of falls is minimized.