Feature of the errors between the perceived toe position and actual toe position (comparison of the features between elderly participants and young participants)

Abstract

To determine the effects of aging on the accuracy of perceived foot position, we conducted following experiment to 10 elderly and 10 young participants. Participants were asked to adjust the position of the target line as close as possible to either most medial or most lateral parts of their foot, while they wore a modified cape that obscured their view of their feet. Once they felt that target line was appropriately placed along the foot, the distance between the line and the foot was measured. No age-related differences were identified when they were asked to place the line along with the most lateral part of their foot. Both age groups tended to place the line 10-20 mm over the foot. However, the elderly displayed smaller errors than young when they were asked to place the line along with the most medial part of their foot. We also discussed the possible reasons that explain these features in the article. © 2011 The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.