The Effect of Footwear on Postural Sway in Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background and Purpose: Non-slip socks are frequently used in health care settings in an attempt to reduce falls. Increased velocity of postural sway has been shown to relate to increased risk of falling. The influence of footwear on velocity of postural sway has yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to compare the velocity of postural sway of community-dwelling older adults during a simulated fall while barefoot, wearing athletic type shoes, or wearing non-slip socks