It’s a fact that’s embarrassing to admit but roughly one in three Canadians over age 65 falls at least once a year. And falls result in almost 95 per cent of hip fractures in older people and 20 per cent die within a year of the fracture.
And so the Toronto Rehab clinic has moved beyond warning seniors to watch for cracks in sidewalks, unveiling a new footwear insole called the SoleSensor that has been proven to improve balance and prevent falls.
"Pressure sensation from the soles of the feet plays an important role in controlling several key aspects of balancing reactions," says Stephen Perry, a Toronto Rehab adjunct scientist and associate professor of kinesiology and physical education at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Over time, sensation in the soles of our feet is dulled as skin hardens, calluses develop, and tiny sensors in the skin decrease in number and sensitivity. In addition, nerve impulses to the central nervous system slow down with age.
SoleSensor has a raised ridge that surrounds the perimeter of the foot. This ridge is designed to enhance the sole's sensory perception by stimulating tiny sensors located in the outer edges of the sole.
“If you're swaying back and forth, the raised edge will apply pressure to the side of your foot, telling you subconsciously that you're falling," explains Perry. “You can then adjust your body movements and hopefully prevent a fall."
Fall-related injuries in Canada have been estimated to cost the economy $2.8-billion a year.
SoleSensor, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, is manufactured and distributed by Ontario-based AJ Hart Group, and is currently being made available in select pharmacies and specialty home health-care stores across Canada. Go to www.ajhartgroup.com for more information on SoleSensor.
