Foot Strengthening to Improve Balance and Gait in Older Adults
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether different foot-strengthening strategies can improve foot strength, balance, walking ability, and fall-related outcomes in middle-aged and older adults (ages 45-85 years). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does foot strength change from baseline after an 8-week foot-strengthening intervention? * Do balance, gait, and physical function improve following different foot-strengthening approaches? Researchers will compare minimalist footwear use, a foot exercise program, a foot-strengthening device (ToePro), and no intervention to see if these interventions lead to greater improvements in foot strength, balance, gait, and fall-related outcomes than no intervention. Participants will: * Complete baseline and post-intervention laboratory testing of foot strength, balance, physical function, and walking gait * Perform foot strengthening exercises or wear minimalist footwear (if applicable) five days/week for eight weeks * Complete daily logs to record intervention compliance
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adults: age 45-85 years old * Able to walk without an assistive walking device or lower limb prosthesis * No history of foot or ankle surgery * No history of regular minimalist footwear use * No foot or ankle issues for which study activities may be contraindicated * BMI \<= 40 Exclusion Criteria: * Deemed unfit for physical activity by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) * Current or history of an unresolved musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary/respiratory, metabolic, renal condition, disease, or problem * Use of orthotics in daily (i.e., non-athletic) footwear * Pregnancy * Any other disease or problems that may affect movement or the ability to exercise even at a low intensity