Textured foot orthoses showed selective balance benefits in older adults
Pooled studies found changes in standing balance and a mobility test, while gait and broader mobility results remained uncertain.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Foot orthoses designed to stimulate sensation reduced a standing-balance measure and improved Timed Up and Go scores in pooled analyses. Gait and other functional mobility measures did not show significant changes. These selective findings suggest possible benefits for some balance tests, but the abstract does not establish improvements in everyday mobility or fewer falls.
The abstract does not specify control conditions, overall follow-up lengths or units for the mobility-test difference. This abstract-based summary therefore cannot establish the size or durability of practical benefits.
What the standing test showed
Researchers measured movement of the center of pressure during standing. Reductions were especially apparent in studies assessing immediate effects and certain orthosis designs, so the timing and design of the inserts matter to interpretation.
Design links need care
Across studies, arch support and site-specific protrusions correlated with effect sizes for a standing-balance measure. These design associations do not prove that either feature caused better balance or identify a single best insert.
The original publication
Effects of somatosensory stimulation foot orthoses on balance and stability in older adults: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.
Jor A, Kobayashi T, Khan MJ et al.
Gait Posture · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 40998603
- Record checked
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