Effect of Total Contact Insoles Intervention on Balance Ability for the Elderly

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of custom-made total contact insoles on postural control, functional mobility, walking performance, and plantar pressure characteristics in institutionalized older adults. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving custom-made total contact insoles or a control group continuing to use their usual insoles. The intervention period was 8 weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline, after initial use of the assigned insole condition, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks. Outcomes included static postural control, functional mobility assessed using the instrumented Timed Up and Go test, walking performance during a 10-meter walk test, and plantar pressure characteristics measured during walking. The study aimed to characterize changes in postural control, functional mobility, gait-related function, and plantar loading associated with custom-made total contact insole use over the intervention period.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 years or older. * No previous use of individually fabricated custom-made total contact insoles. * Able to walk independently in daily life. * Willing to wear the assigned insoles during daily activities and complete follow-up assessments. * Able to follow simple instructions, understand the purpose of the study, and comply with the study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological disorders affecting gait or balance, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, poliomyelitis, or lower-limb nerve injury. * Diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy. * History of lower-limb fracture or joint replacement affecting lower-limb length. * Osteoporosis or vertebral compression fracture. * Foot, ankle, or knee deformity, arthritis-related pain, or soft-tissue pain that interfered with study testing. * Visual or hearing impairment affecting test safety or comprehension of instructions. * History of psychiatric illness or substance misuse.