1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games: dermatologic health screening results

Prevalence of podiatric conditions seen in Special Olympics athletes: a comparison of USA data to an international population

BACKGROUND

Persons with intellectual disabilities frequently have podiatric conditions. Limited information exists on their prevalence in international cohorts of Special Olympics (SO) athletes. Findings from multiple United States (US) venues are compared to those from athletes screened at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece (ATHENS).

METHODS

Data from Fit Feet screenings from 2096 ATHENS participants was compared to 7192 US participants.

RESULTS

Frequently noted in the ATHENS population were motion restriction in both the ankle and the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (1st MTPJ), pes planus, metatarsus adductus, brachymetatarsia, hallux abducto valgus (HAV), onychomycosis, onychocryptosis, and tinea pedis. ATHENS differed from the US cohort as HAV and restricted ankle joint and 1st MTPJ joint motion was less frequent. Significantly more tinea pedis, xerosis, and hyperhidrosis were present in the ATHENS population.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

SO athletes have a higher prevalence of podiatric structural conditions compared to the general population, and some vary between ATHENS versus US. Less prevalent in ATHENS was HAV, and restricted motion in both the ankle and 1st MTPJ. This may reflect differences due to varied clinical observers. The higher rates of several dermatological conditions in ATHENS may reflect venue seasonal climate, or social factors.

Characteristics of Sports-Related Dermatoses for Different Types of Sports: A Cross-Sectional Study

Skin lesions are common in athletes. Athletic activities may lead to new skin lesions or aggravate existing ones. We aimed to determine the effects of sport type and participation length on the occurrence of sports-related dermatoses and to identify the localization characteristics of these lesions. A total of 121 licensed athletes (42 swimmers, 23 handball players, 33 soccer players and 23 wrestlers) and 121 sedentary controls were included in the study. A consultant dermatologist examined all subjects. Lesion types, duration, and localization characteristics were noted. The lesions were categorized as viral, bacterial, traumatic, and non-traumatic. Traumatic lesions were frequently seen in soccer players and wrestlers; fungal infections were more commonly seen in swimmers and in soccer players. Lesion types and localizations varied by sport type. There were no significant relationships between sport type and the incidence of viral and bacterial lesions. The results suggest that athletic activity seems to be a predisposing factor, especially for fungal infections and acute or chronic traumatic lesions. Thus, regular dermatological screening of athletes is critical for rapid identification and treatment of dermatoses disrupting sport performance.

Foot-to-shoe mismatch and rates of referral in Special Olympics athletes

BACKGROUND

Improperly fitted shoes are frequently seen in athletes participating in Special Olympics competitions. This foot-to-shoe mismatch may result in deformities as well as discomfort and reduced performance or injuries in competitions. A primary purpose for providing medical screenings is to identify conditions unknown and to promptly refer to an appropriate provider for evaluation and care. This study attempts to determine the prevalence of improperly fitted shoes and the rate of referral for Special Olympics athletes screened at Fit Feet venues.

METHODS

To evaluate the foot-to-shoe mismatch and rate of referral, 4,094 Fit Feet screenings of Special Olympics athletes participating in US competitions in 2005 to 2009 were analyzed. The participants were 58.5% male and 41.5% female, with a median age of 25.6 years. A power analysis and the χ(2) test were used. The athletes voluntarily underwent a foot screening that followed the standardized Special Olympics Fit Feet protocol. The Brannock Device for measuring feet was used to assess proper fit.

RESULTS

A proper fit was found in 58.56% of the athletes, with 28.60% wearing shoes too big and 12.84% wearing shoes too small. Unrelated to shoe fit, 20% of the athletes required referrals for professional follow-up based on abnormal clinical findings.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant (41.44%) mismatch of foot to shoe in Special Olympics athletes. The most common mismatch is a shoe too big, with a much smaller number of athletes having shoes too small. Awareness of this foot-to-shoe incompatibility may be useful for the development of shoes better designed for athletes with a foot structure not consistent with conventional shoes. Because 20% of the athletes required a referral for professional follow-up, Fit Feet examinations are important for identifying athletes with conditions that can be more readily evaluated and treated, thus improving the athletes' comfort and performance. Beyond knowing the rate of referral, future studies can determine the conditions or findings that necessitate a referral and the ultimate outcome of that referral.