Effects of an unstable shoe construction on balance in women aged over 50 years.

Background: Shoes with an unstable sole construction are commonly used as a therapeutic tool by physiotherapists and are widely available from shoe and sporting goods retailers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using an unstable shoe (Masai Barefoot Technology) on standing balance, reactive balance and stability limits.

Methods: Thirty-one subjects agreed to participate in the study and underwent balance tests on three different occasions.