Effect of textured insoles on balance and gait in people with multiple sclerosis: an exploratory trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the immediate effects of textured insoles on balance and gait in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to explore any effects after 2 weeks of wear.


METHODS
Within-session repeated-measures design with an exploratory follow-up period.


METHODS
Hospital gait laboratory.


METHODS
Forty-six individuals with MS (34 females, 12 males), with a mean (SD) age of 49 (7) years, who could walk 100m unassisted or using one stick/crutch.


METHODS
Participants were tested wearing three types of insoles in a random order: control (smooth), Texture 1 (Algeos) or Texture 2 (Crocs™). Participants were allocated at random to wear one type of textured insoles for 2 weeks, after which they were retested.


METHODS
Standing balance (centre of pressure excursions and velocity) was measured with eyes open and eyes closed on a Kistler force platform. Spatio-temporal parameters of gait were measured using a GAITRite system.


RESULTS
The textured insoles had no significant immediate effects on balance or gait, apart from an increase in anteroposterior sway range with eyes open for Texture 2 insoles [mean difference 4.5 (95% confidence interval 0.6 to 8.4)mm]. After 2 weeks, balance was not significantly different, but both types of textured insoles showed significant effects on spatio-temporal parameters of gait, with mean stride length increases of 3.5cm (Texture 1) and 5.3cm (Texture 2) when wearing the insoles.


CONCLUSIONS
After 2 weeks of wear, there were improvements in spatio-temporal parameters of gait. However, it is unclear whether this was a placebo effect or a learning effect.
Health and Social Care Institute, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK. Electronic address: john.dixon@tees.ac.uk.
J
J
Dixon
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
A L
AL
Hatton
Health and Social Care Institute, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
J
J
Robinson
Health and Social Care Institute, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
H
H
Gamesby-Iyayi
Health and Social Care Institute, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
D
D
Hodgson
Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.
K
K
Rome
Department of Rehabilitation, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
R
R
Warnett
Health and Social Care Institute, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
D J
DJ
Martin
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D004856:Postural Balance; D012775:Shoes; D016138:Walking
Balance; Double-limb standing; Gait; Multiple sclerosis; Spatio-temporal parameters; Textured insoles