Proprioception and stability: foot position awareness as a function of age and footwear.

摘要: We examined the hypothesis that awareness of foot position in terms slope weight-bearing surface declines with age. further postulated decline would be due to a change plantar tactile sensibility, and footwear impair judgments. compared 15 men aged over 65 years (mean age 73) 36 under 40 30) estimates amplitude direction slopes. employed ratio scale 0-10 representing actual slopes 0 degrees-25 degrees increments 2.5 degrees. In order examine whether subjects overestimated high angles they were told ranged from 15. found significant differences between two groups effect footwear. Psychophysical functions for estimate 0.95 young when barefoot 0.71 shod 0.80 0.81 respectively older men. conclude sensitivity age, mainly owing loss sensitivity. Footwear impairs both old. Loss may contribute frequency falls later life.