Use of gait analysis to demonstrate benefits of footwear assessment in elderly people

Summary The benefits of footwear assessment and provision of new footwear as part of a physiotherapy programme were evaluated. During a two-week period all patients requiring footwear were assessed using a Musgrave Gait Analysis System walking in their own footwear and in supplied footwear. Findings from 60 subjects showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in foot function and stability attributable to the supplied footwear in comparison with own footwear: increase in heel loading from 59.2% to 72.2%; reduction in forefoot loading from 40.8% to 27.8%; increase in ground contact area from 90.88 cm 2 to 97.0 cm 2 ; and 7.5% faster walking speed. The findings indicate that important benefits may result from a programme of care which includes footwear assessment. Financial savings are also discussed. Further study is required to ascertain if improvements in footwear can reduce the incidence of falls.