高齢者における足底感覚と足圧分布および足底接地状態が立位バランス能力に与える影響

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among plantar sensation, plantar pressure and standing balance in the institutionalized elderly. Twelve subjects aged 83.6 + 6.4 years (5 males, 7 females) participated in this examination. Plantar sensory thresholds were assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments at twelve locations; the heel, midfoot (medial, middle and lateral), forefoot (medial, middle and lateral) and five toes. The ground contract area of the sole and the location of the maximum plantar pressure and noncontact region were evaluated from the recording of the plantar pressure distributions while standing. As balance measurements, path length of the center of pressure (LNG) and root mean square area during standing and functional reach test were evaluated. The locations of the maximum plantar pressure were heel (7 subjects), middle forefoot (3 subjects), medial forefoot (1 subject) and hallux (1 subject). The noncontact regions excluding the medial midfoot were toes (11 subjects), middle midfoot (5 subjects), and lateral midfoot (3 subjects). It was showed a tendency that the location of the maximum plantar pressure had high sensory threshold, and the noncontact region had low sensory threshold, respectively. Plantar sensory threshold were significant correlated with LNG (r=0.63) and functional reach (r=-0.83). Ground contact area of the sole was also significant correlated with LNG(r=-0.68) and functional reach (r=0.59). This study demonstrates that planter sensation and the ground contact area of the sole are important factors associated with standing balance in the elderly.