title: Differences in foot sensitivity and plantar pressure between young adults and elderly.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The understanding of foot sensitivity and plantar pressure contributes to the design of insoles, shoes, as well as to guide therapeutic interventions. Here we investigate differences in plantar pressure and foot sensitivity between young adults and community-dwelling elderly.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-eight participants (19 young adults and 19 elderly) underwent clinical assessment of foot sensitivity and upright standing with eyes open and closed for measurement of plantar pressure in each foot. Data were compared between feet, groups, and visual conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Foot sensitivity was lower in the elderly and, in contrast to young adults, differed between the foot regions (loss of sensitivity was primarily seen at the heel). Elderly shift plantar pressure to more distal foot zones, namely towards midfoot and forefoot. Asymmetries in foot sensitivity and plantar pressure were not observed. Visual condition did not influence plantar pressure distribution.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The forward shift in plantar pressure (away from the insensitive heel) constitutes a strategy of elderly to maintain balance.
authors.affiliation: Applied Neuromechanics Research Group, Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Álvaro S
authors.initials: ÁS
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.affiliation: Applied Neuromechanics Research Group, Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gabriéli D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Bombach
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Duysens
authors.affiliation: Applied Neuromechanics Research Group, Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil. Electronic address: carpes@unipampa.edu.br.
authors.forename: Felipe P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Carpes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008465:Mechanoreceptors; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D011312:Pressure; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012775:Shoes; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Foot; Mechanoreceptors; Postural control; Proprioception