Groundbreaking Study Reveals Custom Brace Is Missing Link in Improving Balance and Reducing Fear of Falling for Seniors

MESA, Ariz., April 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study conducted at the Baylor College of Medicine identified an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), the Moore Balance Brace (MBB), as a core element in improving balance in seniors at risk for falls. Published in the journal Gerontology, the research found the use of the Moore Balance Brace, a feather-light, flexible therapeutic brace custom fabricated and distributed by Arizona AFO, can have a profound impact on improving stability and minimizing the fear of falls.

The six-month trial examined seniors who had concerns about or exhibited a risk of falling. Participants were randomly placed into two separate groups—a control group, provided walking shoes, and an intervention group, provided walking shoes and bilateral custom-made Moore Balance Braces. Results highlighted the increased stability and confidence participants of the intervention group experienced—for example:

• The daily use of the MBB and walking shoes decreased body sway by an average of 54.9%
• Participants using the MBB in daily life reported a decreased fear of falling
• Physical activity increased amongst participants due to reduced fear of falling
• Participants perceived the MBB to be "useful" when paired with walking shoes—about 79%. This is an important indicator of patient acceptance and compliance

"Falls in seniors are one of the least discussed, yet most pervasive health risks seniors and their caretakers face today. This new research clearly illustrates the opportunity to prevent these events before they occur," said Dr. Jonathan Moore, podiatrist and creator of the Moore Balance Brace. "The collaboration between a patient and his or her podiatrist becomes the first line of defense. Working with their doctor to develop a holistic preventative care plan that includes the Moore Balance Brace empowers seniors to proactively manage their health, thus retaining their independence without the constant fear of falling."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every four older Americans falls annually. Fall-related injuries continue to be a costly and debilitating health risk:

• Falls in seniors cost the U.S. healthcare system about $50 billion annually
• Falling once doubles a patient's risk of falling again
• About three million older patients are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries each year
• Senior fall death rates in the U.S. increased 30% from 2007 to 2016 

Seniors and caretakers can learn more about fall prevention, as well as locate a fall prevention specialist in their area online at myfallrisk.com. Additionally, the complete AFO usage study, featuring the Moore Balance Brace, is available for download at bit.ly/BaylorStudyMBB.

About the Moore Balance Brace

The Moore Balance Brace™ (MBB) is a custom-made ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) that reduces the risk and incidence of falls in seniors and high-risk populations. The brace's durable, flexible design offers feather-light support for a more active and independent lifestyle. Developed by podiatrist Dr. Jonathan Moore, the MBB is clinically proven to improve balance by reducing postural sway, improving postural stability and decreasing fear of falling in users. Learn more about the Moore Balance Brace at arizonaafo.com.

About Arizona AFO

Arizona AFO, owned and managed by Ronkonkoma, NY-based Orthotic Holdings, Inc., has been the premiere fabricator of custom-made ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) since 1994. Focused on conservative, non-surgical therapies, the company's patented and clinically proven Arizona Brace® is the standard for treatment of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction, or adult-acquired flat foot. Arizona AFO is also the exclusive fabricator of the Moore Balance Brace™, the only balance brace clinically proven to improve balance and decrease the fear of falling in seniors. The Arizona AFO catalog includes a complete selection of superior quality custom AFOs, all designed, tested, and custom-fabricated in Mesa, Ariz.

Contact:
Samantha Carey
(401) 330-2800
[email protected]

SOURCE Moore Balance Brace

Related Links

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