Dr. Stephen Perry, Professor of Biomechanics/Neuroscience in the department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada has been studying falls since the early 1990's. In the course of his research, Dr. Perry has developed a simple and effective method of reducing the risk of falls that is especially useful for seniors. After further research and development, Dr. Perry developed the first prototypes of the BalancePro insoles. The BalancePro insoles are shoe inserts with raised edges. These raised edges provide additional feedback to your body about your balance.
Dr. Perry has conducted several trials on the effectiveness of the BalancePro insoles. All studies have shown that the BalancePro insoles is a safe, effective, and long lasting method to reducing falls. Study results are very promising.
Shown in Study #1 below, users of the BalancePro insoles had 44% less falls than the control group. Furthermore, the improved sense of balance provided by the BalancePro insoles did not diminish over the course of the trial, suggesting that BalancePro insoles were equally effective at improving balance at the beginning of the trial and at the end. The BalancePro insoles is a long-term benefit and solution.
Listen to our new podcast.
The following research articles highlight BalancePro insoles' proven effectiveness:
Perry, Stephen D., et al. Efficacy and effectiveness of a balance-enhancing insole. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 63.6: 595-602. Link
Maki, Brian E., et al. Preventing falls in older adults: New interventions to promote more effective change-in-support balance reactions. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology 18.2: 243-254. Link
Maki, Brian E., et al. Effect of facilitation of sensation from plantar foot-surface boundaries on postural stabilization in young and older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 54.6: M281-M287. Link
Jenkins, M. E., et al. Plantar cutaneous sensory stimulation improves single-limb support time, and EMG activation patterns among individuals with Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders 15.9: 697-702. Link
The following research articles discuss some statistics on falls in Canada:
O'Loughlin, J. L., Robitaille, Y., Boivin, J. F., & Suissa, S. Incidence of and risk factors for falls and injurious falls among the community-dwelling elderly. American Journal of Epidemiology 137(3), 342-354. Link
Rawsly, E. Review of the literature on falls among the elderly. Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship 30(1), 47-52. Link
Read BalancePro Research Paper