The Effects of Rollover Shoes on Instability during Prolonged Standing

Today، rollover footwears are widely used throughout the world for their therapeutic purposes. Many studies have been conducted on the effect of these shoes on balance، but the results are inconsistent with each other and do not provide accurate information on the effect of these shoes on the balance. Additionally، the researches were to evaluate the short-time frame that is not enough for the conclusion of the balance of individuals. So، this study aimed to investigate the effect of rollover shoes on static balance during prolonged standing.

In this study، 30 healthy subjects with age range of 20-30 years were recruited and their static balance، was studied in four situations: 1) barefoot and eyes opened، 2) barefoot and eyes closed، 3) rollover shoes and eyes opened and 4) rollover shoes and eyes closed. Participants stood for 5 minutes on a kistler force plate operating at 100 Hz. The data were parted in to 20-second frames and balance parameters were determined in each frame. The studied parameters included the center of pressure (COP) excursion and velocity in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) plans and total path length.

Rollover shoes made a significant difference in the excursion and velocity of the center of pressure in anteroposterior direction in all frames (P < 0. 001); but in mediolateral plan، significant differences were observed only in some frames. The total path length of the center of pressure with rollover shoes، was significantly more than the bare feet (P = 0. 002). In addition، about the visual effect on balance، no significant differences were observed.

The results show that in this group of participants، the use of rollover shoes cause significant instability especially، in anteroposterior plane which can increase the risk of falling. It is necessary to consider the instability effect of these shoes in prescribing them in subjects with balance disorders، particularly the elderly.