Plantar cutaneous sensation is independently associated with postural balance and lower limb motor function in older adults: the Shizuoka study.

Purpose: A relationship between decreased plantar cutaneous sensation and impaired balance function has been reported in patients with peripheral neuropathy and diabetes. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between plantar sensation and postural balance, as well as the association between plantar sensation and sarcopenia-related motor function in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: The participants included 1659 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 74 ± 5 years, of which 43% were male patients. Plantar cutaneous sensation thresholds were assessed using an automatic plantar sensation testing device. Postural balance was measured using one-leg standing (OLS) time. Grip strength, five-time sit-to-stand (STS) time, and normal gait speed were measured as components of muscle strength and physical function related to sarcopenia. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and leg phase angle were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results: Age, sex, body mass index, and leg phase angle, but not SMI and grip strength, were independently associated with the plantar sensation threshold. Plantar sensation threshold was independently associated with the OLS time (P = 0.001) and STS time (P = 0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders. No significant association was found between plantar sensation threshold and normal gait speed (P = 0.741).

Conclusion: Plantar sensation was independently associated with postural balance and lower limb function in community-dwelling older adults. The assessment of plantar sensation could be useful for identifying factors contributing to poor postural balance and lower limb motor function.