The Balance and Foot Health Program for Older Adults: A Randomized Study

Every year in France, 2 million falls by people over 65 are responsible for 10,000 deaths, the leading cause of accidental death, and more than 130,000 hospitalizations. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of adding 12 weekly foot health workshops to balance workshops on mobility among older adults living in nursing homes, compared to a program based exclusively on balance workshops.

Inclusion Criteria: * People aged 65 and older. * Residents of nursing homes. * Able to walk, with or without a walking aid (cane, walker, etc.) * Residents at risk of falling, defined by at least one of the following criteria: history of a fall within the last 12 months; unsteadiness while walking or balance issues; limited mobility. * Able to understand and follow simple instructions. * Able to participate in workshops. * Enrolled in a social security program or beneficiaries of an equivalent program. * Individuals (participants, guardians, or conservators, as applicable) who have been informed and have provided written consent for their participation in the study. Exclusion Criteria: \- Regular use of minimalist shoes at the time of enrollment. * Medical condition or clinical situation contraindicating the use of minimalist shoes, as determined by the investigator. * Use of orthopedic shoes prescribed by a healthcare professional. * Unhealed foot wound or active foot infection. * Recent lower limb fracture (\< 3 months) or recent lower limb trauma, likely to limit participation in the workshops or contraindicate foot mobilization, as assessed by the investigator. * Severe cognitive impairment preventing the understanding of simple instructions or participation in the workshops. * Any other clinical condition deemed incompatible with participation in the study by the investigator.