Toe Clearance Rehabilitative Slippers for Older Adults With Fall Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate fall-prevention rehabilitative slippers for use by self-caring, independent older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This assessor-blinded, randomized, and controlled 1-year study included 59 self-caring, independent participants (49 women) who attended day services. The mean age of participants was 84.0 ± 5.3 years. Participants were randomly selected from 8 nursing homes. We tested slippers top-weighted with a lead bead (200, 300, or 400 g). Intervention group participants walked while wearing the slippers for 10-20 min, 1-3 days/week at the day service center. Fall risk was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) before and at 3-month intervals after the intervention/control phase. RESULTS: After 12 months, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement. Berg Balance and POMA compared to the control group (p < .05 p < .01, respectively). Mobility scores improved significantly for both measurements in the intervention group before and after (p < .01), but the control group had significantly lower scores. DISCUSSION: Overall, falls decreased in the intervention group from 10 to 7, and control group falls increased from 9 to 16 (p = .02). No adverse events related to the intervention were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation training slippers may reduce falls in older adults.