Neurorehabilitation

Balance impairment is a common symptom in patients living with chronic neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's, post-stroke, and peripheral neuropathy. From an increased fall risk to reduced independence, compromised dynamic stability can place a heavy emotional burden on these patients and their families. 

One of the most effective, yet highly under-utilized, ways to improve dynamic stability in these patients is to focus on optimizing sensory stimulation of the feet. Touch, whether it be the hands or feet, creates an access point between the environment and the brain to better control movement coordination and improve posture. 

The glabrous skin of the plantar foot houses hundreds of mechanoreceptors (nerves) which are sensitive to two-point discrimination (texture), deep pressure, skin stretch, and vibration. When we walk, climb, and explore our environments, the sensory stimulation of these nerves goes through the brain stem to the thalamus and to the somatosensory cortex of the cerebrum to shape motor development and coordination. Or, simply stated, optimizing sensory inputs creates good motor outputs.

Improving sensory stimulation through the feet can have an immediate impact in posture, balance, and gait.

Jean-Ayres, the founder of Sensory Integration Theory, has demonstrated that when touch is lacking, as in the case of chronic sock and footwear use, it can be associated with depressed motor and mental functioning. She has further found that a lack of sensory nerve stimulation can negatively affect the Reticular Activating System (RAS) which is critical in awakening the neocortex. This can lead to impaired muscular movements, overreaction to stress, emotional disturbances, and learning deficits. 

What does this mean for you? By reconnecting to your foundation (the foot) you are waking up powerful neurological pathways that bring the brain and body back in line. This can mean immediate improvements in posture, balance, and walking!  

Making textured insole research a reality

Research study after research study has demonstrated the power of textured insoles for patients living with chronic neurological conditions. However, until Naboso there were no commercially available textured insoles. From TBIs to MS and Parkinson's, the improvement of posture and balance through the stimulation of the the plantar foot has given hope to many patients.  

At Naboso, we are proud to be the first and only company that has a textured insole commercially available for the improvement of balance, posture, and gait.  

To learn more about our evidence-based and patent-pending product please explore a few of the following research studies:

Application in multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease

More than 400,000 people in the U.S. and nearly 2.5 million people worldwide are living with multiple sclerosis. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year, with more than 10 million people worldwide living with PD.  

Whether we are focused on MS or Parkinson's disease, our greatest concern is maintaining people's ability to move, walk, and experience life. Walking difficulties can happen to anyone with a chronic neurological condition, but interventions exist. Something as simple as a textured insole can have a profound impact on these individuals' movement patterns and quality of life.  

We have seen incredible, immediate results by putting the Naboso insoles into the shoes of MS and Parkinson's patients. We have videos of patients, who could barely walk at one point in time, running pain-free! The power of the foot cannot be overlooked. And neither can the impact of Naboso.

 

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