Developing a sensory mat to promote plantar sense development in the elderly

Plantar sensation refers to sensations received through sensory receptors located in the skin and deep tissues of the sole of the foot (plantar surface). These receptors play an important role in balance and movement control by transmitting various sensory information, such as pressure, touch, temperature, and pain, to the central nervous system. During the aging process, plantar sensory sensitivity decreases. Especially in older individuals, plantar sensory loss is seen to affect balance, mobility and gait and is an important risk factor. In our study titled "Developing a Sensory Carpet to Provide Plantar Sense Development in the Elderly", 40 people over the age of 65 were examined in two groups. They were randomly divided into two groups. Our aim was to develop the foot plantar sense with the sensory carpet we developed and sensory exercises and to examine the effect of this development on balance and mobility. Within the scope of repeated evaluations, plantar sense, balance and mobility evaluations of the sensory carpet we designed were made to 20 people randomly applied among 40 elderly individuals. It was recorded that the people who did walking exercises on the sensory carpet we developed in addition to sensory exercises had higher foot plantar sense, balance and mobility increases compared to the group who only did exercises. A direct relationship was found between static balance and plantar sense development. When the results of the evaluations were compared with each other and with the initial state, a direct relationship was found between balance and plantar sensory development. It was determined that individuals who only did exercises aimed at increasing plantar sensation and who practiced walking on the sensory carpet we developed after the exercise aimed at increasing plantar sensation had a significantly greater increase in balance compared to the initial state, thus causing a greater increase in plantar sensation. In general, plantar sensory exercises and walking on the sensory carpet we have developed can be recommended to prevent falls and increase static balance in elderly individuals.