Shoe innovations for better balance
USN has developed a prototype barefoot shoe designed to reduce the risk of falls among the elderly and patients with impaired balance.
Falls are a major challenge for the elderly, and many suffer serious injuries. The personal impact and societal costs of falls are significant. Barefoot shoes to improve balance have the potential to deliver substantial health benefits.
Pilot studies
Through a development project funded by the DAM Foundation, the shoes will be tested on individuals with Parkinson's disease. We will:
- conduct two crossover pilot studies with individuals with Parkinson’s disease who have high functionality, to investigate whether the shoes can help maintain and/or improve balance ability.
- use instructional videos for voluntary training to enhance the effects of the shoes. The videos are tailored to the needs of people with Parkinson’s disease and offer different levels of training intensity to choose from.
The studies are carried out in collaboration with: The Norwegian Parkinson’s Association
Timeline: 01.01.2025 – 30.06.2026
Funding: DAM Foundation (project number SDAM_UTV532087)
Previous projects:
Qualification project funded by The Research Council’s Commercialisation Programme
