Balance impairment and gait instability are common symptoms in patients living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).   From an increased fall risk to reduced independence, compromised dynamic stability can place a heavy emotional burden on these individuals.

When developing a balance and fall reduction program for PD clients, research has shown that stimulation of the foot with texture shows promising results.   Study after study has demonstrated that the seemingly simple intervention of texture is actually quite powerful in its postural effects.

Why the Plantar Foot? 

Our hands and feet are some the most sensitive sensory gateways of the human body and allow us to connect our visual and vestibular systems with the exteroceptive (external) world.

The skin on the plantar foot is packed with unique nerve endings called mechanoceptors or touch receptors.   There are four main mechanoceptors found on the bottom of the feet.

SAI – which is sensitive to two-point discrimination & texture (Naboso!)

SAII – which is sensitive to skin stretch

FAI – which is sensitive to low-frequency vibration (walking impact forces)

FAII – which is sensitive to high-frequency vibration (running impact forces)

Texture & the Plantar Foot 

Texture such as that of two-point discrimination (Naboso) have been shown to improve posture and sway in those with Parkinson’s Disease.

A 2011 study by Hatton et al. showed that pyramid-like textures had the greatest efficacy on reducing postural sway in PD patients.   This was both the eyes shut and unstable environment.

A 2013 study by Qui et al. compared the effects of smooth versus textured insoles on balance and stability in those with Parkinson’s Disease.  Qui et al. found that the greatest effect was with textured insoles on unstable surfaces with eyes open and eyes closed.

A 2017 study by Silva et al. showed that continuous use of textured insoles over a one week period not only improved gait but also improved foot sensitivity and sensation.

Naboso Textured Insoles

To date, Naboso Insoles are the only commercially available textured insoles that are designed to enhance posture, improve gait and reduce falls in people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Multiple Sclerosis, neuropathy, and post-stroke.  There is so much exciting textured insole research but until Naboso none of this information was commercially applicable to these PD patients.

At Naboso we are so excited to see that the effects of Naboso Insoles match that of the research!    Below are a few videos of just how powerful the Naboso Insoles are at improving gait in those with Parkinson’s Disease!

Coming Soon! – Naboso Clinical Insoles 

With these exciting results above Naboso Technology is working on a new version to their already existing Insole line – NabosoNeuro.   These clinical insoles will be specific to the enhanced somatosensory demands of Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes (neuropathy), post-stroke + more!

To learn more about the benefits of Naboso Insoles in neurorehabilitation please click HERE

To carry Naboso Insoles in your office for patients and clients please contact Naboso Technology for our wholesale rates – orders@nabosotechnology.com