İnvestigation of the effects of foot-sole sensory training on sensorymotor organization in the elderly

In this study, the effect of sensorimotor training on the soles of the foot is investigated in individuals who do not have orthopedic problems that will affect gait and balance over 65 years of age. The study included 30 individuals with a Mini Mental Status Test Score of 24 or more; individuals were divided into two groups as study and control. After the initial evaluation, exercises to increase the foot-sole sensory were given to the study group as a home program. Individuals were asked to do this program at least once a day for 10 days in 2 weeks. To control group, a brochure on Elderly Foot Care was given after the initial evaluation. The foot sole Light touch sensation, Vibration sensation, Two point discrimination evaluation, Passive motion sense evaluation, Muscle Force test, Berg equilibrium test and Sensory Organization Test (SOT) of Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) were applied to both groups at 2 weeks intervals. As a result of our study, there was no significant differences were found in foot sole sensory evaluations, passive motion sense and Berg Equilibrium Test results (p>0.05). In the study group, when the first and final evaluation results were compared with the measurements made while the eyes closed, the cab was fixed, and the floor was moving with the CDP device, improvement was observed in the balance (p<0.05). There was no efficacy to change pre-treatment values in both groups except the posturography D5 parameter in the study group (p>0.05). When the posturography parameters were compared among the subjects aged under 70 years and 70 years and over in the study group, there was an increase in the equilibrium (D5) evaluation when eyes closed, cabin fixed, ground moving for the subjects were under 70 years old (p<0.05). Consequently, we think that the home exercise program to improve the foot sensation is a positive effect on the vestibular system and can be used as a preventive approach. Key words: Vestibular, sensory evaluation, home-baced exercise, posturography.