The effect of selected residential carpeting on the balance and gait of older healthy adults

Date

1999-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

Although carpet on pad is the most common residential floor covering used in the home, there are no recommendations or design guidelines for carpet selection specific to different age groups. Furthermore, the contribution of carpet and pad to balance and gait problems in the older adult is largely unknown. The purpose of this research was to determine whether selected residential carpet and pad contributed to balance and gait problems among healthy, communitydwelling older adults. Twenty-five older adults (mean age 73.25; s.d. ± 7.48) were recruited through various organizations located in Lubbock, TX. Subjects were free from existing conditions that may have affected balance control. Balance was measured using the NeuroCom Computerized Posturography balance machine, while gait speed, number of steps, manner of turning, weaving, sitting to standing, standing to sitting, timed one-leg stance, and change in gait speed were measured for the gait component. Subjects were exposed to the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) while standing on the selected residential carpet (i.e., a 36 ounce, 1/2 in. pile height, 1/8 in. gauge, cut pile carpet) and pad (i.e., a rebonded polyurethane, six pound density, 7/16 in. thick padding). Subjects also walked a 12'-0" gait course on the carpeting and vinyl tile.

Postural sway significantly increased on the carpet only when subjects had their eyes closed and the forceplate on the balance machine moved. Balance strategy was not affected by the carpet. Subjects were able to adapt to the sensory limitations by adopting an ankle strategy regardless of the floor surface. The older adults walked significantly slower on the carpet versus the vinyl tile suggesting that these subjects were more hesitant when they encountered a compliant surface. The results of this study indicate limited subject difficulty maintaining static or dynamic balance when standing on the selected carpet. Thus, healthy, community-dwelling senior citizens may want to consider installing this type of carpet in their home. In the future, however, replications of this study are needed using larger sample sizes. If the findings are conclusive, then older adults may feel confident that this type of carpeting does not contribute to falling within the residential environment.

Description

Keywords

Floor coverings, Walking, Falls (Accidents) in old age

Citation