TY - JOUR
T1 - Arch Support Use for Improving Balance and Reducing Pain in Older Adults
AU - Mulford, Debbie
AU - Taggart, Helen M.
AU - Nivens, Anita
AU - Payrie, Camille
PY - 2008/8/1
Y1 - 2008/8/1
N2 - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of arch supports on balance, functional mobility, and pain in the back and lower extremity joints among older adults. Design: A single-factor within-subjects design was used. Method: A convenience sample of older adults formed a single group for fitting with arch supports. Balance, functional mobility, and self-reported pain in the back and lower extremities were measured without the arch supports, immediately after the insertion of the supports in the subjects' shoes, and after 6 weeks of arch support use. Findings: Sixty-seven older adults completed the study. The measures used indicated statistically significant improvements in scores for the Berg Balance Scale [Berg, K., Williams-Dauphinee, S., & Williams, J. I., (1995). The Balance Scale: Reliability assessment for elderly residents and patients with an acute stroke. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 27, 27-31] and functional mobility [Timed Up and Go test; Podsiadlo, D., & Richardson, S. (1991). The Timed "Up and Go": A test of basic functional mobility for frail elderly persons. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 39, 142-148] as well as reduced back, foot, knee, and hip pain (p < .05). There was no statistically significant change in ankle pain (p > .05). Implications: Knowledge of interventions that enhance health and well-being is essential for nurses. Arch supports may provide improved balance and functional mobility while reducing back and lower extremity joint pains. Further research is needed to support evidence-based practice.
AB - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of arch supports on balance, functional mobility, and pain in the back and lower extremity joints among older adults. Design: A single-factor within-subjects design was used. Method: A convenience sample of older adults formed a single group for fitting with arch supports. Balance, functional mobility, and self-reported pain in the back and lower extremities were measured without the arch supports, immediately after the insertion of the supports in the subjects' shoes, and after 6 weeks of arch support use. Findings: Sixty-seven older adults completed the study. The measures used indicated statistically significant improvements in scores for the Berg Balance Scale [Berg, K., Williams-Dauphinee, S., & Williams, J. I., (1995). The Balance Scale: Reliability assessment for elderly residents and patients with an acute stroke. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 27, 27-31] and functional mobility [Timed Up and Go test; Podsiadlo, D., & Richardson, S. (1991). The Timed "Up and Go": A test of basic functional mobility for frail elderly persons. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 39, 142-148] as well as reduced back, foot, knee, and hip pain (p < .05). There was no statistically significant change in ankle pain (p > .05). Implications: Knowledge of interventions that enhance health and well-being is essential for nurses. Arch supports may provide improved balance and functional mobility while reducing back and lower extremity joint pains. Further research is needed to support evidence-based practice.
KW - Arch support
KW - Balance
KW - Older adults
KW - Pain
UR - https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/nursing-facpubs/66
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2006.08.006
U2 - 10.1016/j.apnr.2006.08.006
DO - 10.1016/j.apnr.2006.08.006
M3 - Article
SN - 0897-1897
VL - 21
JO - Applied Nursing Research
JF - Applied Nursing Research
ER -