A Proven Impact On Balance

Equilibrium socks provide an improving in balance, especially in the anterior-posterior displacement of the gravity center.

TEST 1 – BALANCE
Classic socks vs Vitalsox Equilibrium

When the subject is wearing Equilibrium socks, the displacement of the gravity center is lower and the balance is improved. Moreover, after 8 hours, this improvement in balance is maintained more efficiently than with normal socks at rest (at the beginning of the work day).

TEST 2 – RUNNING
Compression socks vs Vitalsox Equilibrium Compression

When the subject is wearing Equilibrium socks, balance is improved during and after a race. The increase of the anteroposterior movement is lower compared to wearing classic compression socks after a running session. Improvement in balance is very important especially for runners susceptible to certain injuries, due to balance loss, like falls or ankle sprains.

TEST 3 – BALANCE (OLDER ADULT PATIENTS)
Classic socks vs Vitalsox Equilibrium

When the subject is wearing Equilibrium socks, balance is improved in older adult patients with light balance loss. The gravity center is more centered compared to wearing classic nylon/polyester socks. Improvement in balance is very important for people who suffer from balance loss, especially for avoiding falls in the elderly, which are a leading cause of hip fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Equilibrium socks provide an improvement in balance, especially in the anteroposterior displacement of the gravity center. This is due to the special fabrics in the socks acting on the ankle joint. The main movement of the ankle joint is dorsal or plantar flexion. So, with a dorsal flex ankle the posture in the subject becomes more anterior. Likewise, in a plantar flex ankle, the posture in the subject becomes more posterior. Vitalsox Equilibrium, acting at the ankle joint, provide more stability and therefore improved balance.

Alfonso Martínez Nova
Head of Research Group BiOPiEX
(Biomechanics and Orthopedics of the Foot of Extremadura)