Foot and ankle compression improves joint position sense but not bipedal stance in older people

This study investigates the effects of foot and ankle compression on joint position sense (JPS) and balance in older people and young adults. 12 independently living healthy older persons (77–93 years) were recruited from a senior accommodation facility. 15 young adults (19–24 years) also participated. Compression was applied at the ankles and feet using medical compression hosiery. The mean velocity of the centre of pressure (CoP) displacements and the root mean square of the CoP velocity in both anteroposterior and mediolateral directions, were measured with a foot pressure plate. In older people, ankle compression was associated with an improvement of JPS towards normal values. However, a concurrent deterioration of their balance was found. In young adults compression had no effect on either JPS or balance.