The Effect of Non-slippery flooring on Postural Stability and Gait Parameters in Severe Osteoporosis Elderly

Background and Objectives: Investigating the risk factors in osteoporosis elderly to prevent falls and fractures is of high importance. Therefore, this study assesses the effect of different surfaces on postural stability and gait variations in the osteoporosis elderly. Methods: 22 elderlies participated (11 with severe osteoporosis & 11 healthy elderly) in this study in two static and dynamic conditions at three surfaces including 2 non-slip sponges (FL) and indentation PVC (SF) flooring and control surface (CO). Results: Hard and pattern surfaces (CO, SF) reduced all postural stability and gait variables (p < 0.05) ‌in osteoporosis and healthy elderly than soft Sponge Surfaces (SF), but they were not significant. Moreover, all postural stability and gait variables were significantly more in the osteoporosis elderly than in healthy elderlies (p<0.05). Moreover, anterior-posterior mean velocity in the open-eyed state was reduced considerably in both elderly groups than in the close-eye state (p<0.05). Conclusion: Hard and patterned surfaces are more effective than soft spongy surfaces in stimulating the somatosensory part of the sole to improve stability in both osteoporosis and healthy elderly. Moreover, the results of this study may help better understand surfaces design to enhance postural stability and reduce fall risk and probable fracture in the severe osteoporosis elderly