Revival of ‘Paduka’, an ancient form of Indian footwear to increase foot muscle strength and balance: A randomized controlled trial – A Hypothesis


Vol 6 | Issue 1 | Jan - Dec 2020 | page: 6-9 | Viral Sarvaiy, Apurv Shimpi, Suroshree Mitra


Author: Viral Sarvaiya [1], Apurv Shimpi [1] , Suroshree Mitra [1]

[1] Community Physiotherapy Department, Sancheti Healthcare Academy, Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, Thube Park, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra,India.
Institute at which research was conducted: Sancheti institute College of Physiotherapy, Thube park, Shivajinagar Pune 411005, Maharashtra.
University Affiliation of Thesis: Research hypothesis (synopsis) submitted for MPT registration to Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik.
Year of Acceptance: 2020

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Apurv Shimpi,
Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, 12, Thube Park, Shivaji Nagar, Pune - 411005, Maharashtra.
E-mail: scopcommunitydept@gmail.com


Abstract

Background: TFoot muscle strength is one of the intrinsic factor responsible for maintaining balance in older population. Footwear is another extrinsic factor having an impact on foot muscle strength, balance and gait. Footwear recommendation by clinician is rational due to role of footwear style in leading to fall or even increase in the risk of fall is unclear. Thus training intrinsic factor, that is foot muscle strength and balance, seems to be sensible which may help individual to maintain control in the conventional footwear. Foot muscle strengthening is mainly limited to short foot exercises, toes curls and its variations. In this study we reintroduce an age old Indian 'Paduka' wooden footwear, an extrinsic factor as a 'practical tool' for rehabilitation. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted where participants will be made to wear 'Paduka' footwear, which has a flat wooden sole and a toe knob to hold between great toe and second toe, to perform a multidirectional walking protocol. They will be assessed for foot muscle strength using MicroFET3 handheld dynamometer and enhanced paper grip test and balance using various clinical tests. Results will be compared with barefoot group following same walking protocol and passive control group. This will be followed by statistical analysis within and between groups.
Clinical Importance: 'Paduka' footwear can give an efficient strategy towards training foot muscles strength and balance amongst elderly in shorter duration, increase compliance and promote a new perspective towards fall prevention strategy.
Future research: Biomechanical implications and gait parameters can be assessed and further studied. Cost effectiveness, environmental factors and footwear preference over minimalist footwear for training can be considered.
Keywords: Wooden footwear, Intrinsic foot muscles, community dwelling elderly, fall prevention.
CTRI trial registration number: CTRI/2020/09/028137.


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How to Cite this Article: Sarvaiya V, Shimpi A, Mitra S. Revival of 'Paduka', an ancient form of Indian footwear to increase foot muscle strength and balance: A randomized controlled trial - A hypothesis. Journal Medical Thesis 2020 Jan-Dec ; 6(1):6-9.

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