A PhD researcher at the University of Canberra is calling for volunteers over 65 to join a program testing whether walking barefoot can help prevent elderly people from falling.
Susan Antcliff, from the Faculty of Health’s Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (HRI), says that as we age, we become more susceptible to falling. This is in part because of a diminished sense of proprioception, or the awareness of where the body is in space.
“It is possible that walking barefoot improves proprioception, because the nerve receptors in the skin of the sole and ankle are subject to greater stimulation,” Ms Antcliff said.
“Stronger neural pathways should be better able to relay sensations and messages to the brain as one walks, enhancing position and movement awareness.”
She said walking or running barefoot also strengthened muscles in the feet and legs and had flow-on effects for the nerve receptors in the muscles themselves, which were the other main source of proprioceptive signals to the brain.
“Walking barefoot fully engages the complex system of foot mechanics, which affects how your knees, hips and core muscles work,” Ms Antcliff said.
“Stronger foot and leg muscles can benefit your entire body,” she said.
“We have such an intricate, interconnected system of movement, and barefooting is an easy, accessible way to significantly and positively improve many aspects of it, which I hope will contribute to better body awareness and reduce the likelihood of falls.”
The study is due to span 12 months and p People interested in taking part can contact Ms Antcliff at 0460 402 184 or by email at [email protected].
