Falls are a common and serious problem among older adults, often leading to injury and functional decline. Understanding plantar pressure patterns and functional performance can help identify fall risk mechanisms. This study aimed to compare plantar pressure distribution, balance, and functional parameters in older adults with high and low fall risk. Twenty-nine older adults (mean age 72.76 ± 5.23 years) participated. Participants were divided based on Berg Balance Scale scores: high fall risk (n = 15) and low fall risk (n = 14). Static and dynamic plantar pressures were assessed using pedobarography. Functional mobility and balance were evaluated with the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). No significant differences were observed in static plantar pressure parameters. In dynamic analysis, non-dominant forefoot impulse was significantly higher in the low fall-risk group (p = 0.032), while dominant midfoot impulse was lower in the low fall-risk group (p = 0.041). Low-risk participants reached longer distances in FRT (p = 0.001) and completed TUG faster (p = 0.010), indicating better functional performance. 10MWT performance was better in the low-risk group but not statistically significant (p = 0.085). Static plantar pressure parameters did not differ significantly between groups, but dynamic plantar pressure and functional tests did. Better FRT and TUG performance and higher non-dominant forefoot impulse were observed in the low-risk group. Evaluating fall risk should incorporate balance, time-dependent plantar pressure, and functional performance, guiding intervention strategies.
Gerdan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.