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Kim IJ, Hegazy F. Enhancing Footwear Safety for Fall Prevention in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review of Design Features. Ann Geriatr Med Res 2024; 28:121-133. [PMID: 38246912 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.23.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls are a global concern affecting people of all ages; however, older adults are particularly vulnerable to age-related factors and foot-related issues. Footwear is critical for preventing falls, as it provides stability and protection against slips, trips, and falls (STFs). However, a significant gap exists in the systematic exploration of the safety aspects of footwear design for fall prevention in older adults. METHODS This comprehensive review applied a meticulous search strategy encompassing prominent databases, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, ResearchGate, and PubMed. This review synthesized and analyzed existing research to bridge knowledge gaps and provide insights into optimal footwear choices for older adults in terms of design features such as fit, fixation, heel height, collar height, slip resistance, and sole/insole hardness. RESULTS The results underscore the importance of specific design features for preventing falls among older adults. A proper fit, secure fixation, appropriate heel and collar heights, slip resistance, and sole/insole hardness significantly contributed to fall prevention. These findings offer valuable guidance for optimizing footwear designs to enhance comfort, stability, and safety in the daily lives of older individuals. CONCLUSION This comprehensive review fills a critical knowledge gap regarding the safety of footwear designs for fall prevention in older adults. The identified design features play a vital role in reducing the risk of falls and offer practical recommendations for the development of safer footwear. Ultimately, this study contributes to the existing knowledge base and supports efforts to prevent STFs in older adults through improved footwear design.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Ju Kim
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatma Hegazy
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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White J, Maier AB, Iacobaccio L, Iseli R. Foot Problems in Older Adults Presenting to a Falls and Balance Clinic. Gerontology 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38697042 DOI: 10.1159/000539160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Foot problems, including musculoskeletal problems, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and dermatologic pathology are common in older adults and are associated with an increased risk of falling. Multicomponent podiatry interventions have been shown to reduce the incidence of falls. This paper aimed to identify older adults requiring podiatry input in a Falls and Balance clinic; to describe the model of foot health care they receive; to explore cross-sectional associations between foot problems and function and ultimately demonstrate the role of podiatry input in the multidisciplinary management of falls risk. METHODS Cohort study of patients attending a Falls and Balance Clinic for Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. Demographic information was collected and functional independence, mobility, foot problems, and footwear were assessed in the clinic. RESULTS One-hundred and two patients were included; median age 79.3 (73-84.3) years, 68.6% female, 93.1% residing independently, 62.7% used a gait aid. Podiatry referrals were made in 80.4% of cases, with muscle weakness being the most common problem identified (90.2%); 74.8% were found to be wearing inappropriate footwear. Most patients received footwear education and half were prescribed foot and ankle strengthening exercises. Hallux and lesser toe weakness were associated with lower Short Physical Performance Battery scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The majority of older adults in the Falls and Balance Clinic required podiatry input, with foot weakness and inappropriate footwear being common reasons for referral. Those with weakness of the hallux and lesser toes had poorer balance and mobility, which is known to be associated with greater falls risk. This highlights the need for podiatry assessment and interventions as part of the multidisciplinary approach to the management of falls risk in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine White
- Department of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea B Maier
- Department of Medicine and Aged Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laura Iacobaccio
- Department of Podiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Iseli
- Department of Medicine and Aged Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Molano Castro JD, Sardoth Álvarez R, Franco Betancur A, Vargas Montenegro GE. Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Scale in Patients With Hallux Valgus in Colombia. J Foot Ankle Surg 2022; 62:511-518. [PMID: 36693770 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale for hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints is used throughout the world for the clinical assessment of patients with hallux valgus, and it has 3 subscales: pain, function, and alignment. The objective of this prospective, observational study was to perform translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of this scale for Colombian Spanish. The Foot Function Index and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were also used in the validation process. Patients who were 18 years or older, resided in the city of Bogota, were able to read and write in Spanish, and were within 4 years of corrective surgery for hallux valgus were included. A total of 79 patients were included in the study, 25 of whom were involved in the translation process and all of whom were involved in the validation process. Construct validity was demonstrated by significant positive Spearman's correlations between the AOFAS pain subscale and the AOFAS function subscale (rs = 0.483), total AOFAS scale (rs = 0.795), and SF-36 physical summary subscale (rs = 0.364); and between the AOFAS function subscale and the total AOFAS scale (rs = 0.894) and SF-36 physical summary subscale (rs = 0.310). The test-retest process for reliability yielded intraclass correlation coefficients between the AOFAS pain, function, and alignment subscales that were all 0.70 or higher. The AOFAS scale for hallux MTP and IP joints was successfully translated and adapted into Colombian Spanish, and this version demonstrated construct validity and reliability, rendering it suitable for clinical use in Colombian patients with hallux valgus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián David Molano Castro
- Medical Doctor, Specialized in Foot and Ankle Surgery, Hospital Universitario Mayor and Hospital Universitario Barrios Unidos of Corporación Hospitalaria Juan Ciudad Méderi, Bogota, Colombia.
| | | | - Andrea Franco Betancur
- Medical Doctor, Specialized in Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
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Montiel V, Valentí A, Villas C, Valverde C, Alfonso M. Hallux anatomy: much ado about shoes-an attempt to prove that constrictive V-shaped toe-box shoes deform the hallux. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2022; 142:1793-1800. [PMID: 33591418 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-021-03792-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A question still remains as to whether constrictive toe-box shoes (TBS) cause disability only due to pain on pressure points or if they can cause permanent changes in the hallux anatomy. The aim of this study is to compare the hallux morphology in 3 groups classified according to their use of constrictive or open TBS. METHODS 424 patients were classified into 3 groups: group A used open TBS daily; group B used constrictive TBS daily; group C used both open and constrictive TBS. Hallux's angles, presence of exostoses and shape of the distal phalanx (DP) were analyzed on dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiographs and compared amongst groups. RESULTS The intermetatarsal (IMA), metatarsophalangeal (MTPA), DASA, PASA, interphalangeal (IPA), obliquity (AP1), asymmetry (AP2) and joint deviation (JDA) angles for group A were 10°, 8°, 5°, 4°, 9°, 3°, 5°, 3°; for group B were 9°, 19°, 5°, 6°, 12°, 2°, 8°, 2°; and for group C were 10°, 10°, 4°, 4°, 12°, 3°, 8°, 1°. Only the differences in the MTPA, IPA and AP2 were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The prevalence of exostoses on the tibial side of the DP was 22, 36, and 29% in groups A, B and C, respectively (p < 0.05). We found similar distributions of the different DP shapes in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the use of constrictive TBS, even if used only occasionally, could change hallux anatomy from a young age increasing MTPA, IPA and AP2. Moreover, we have found that DP exostoses are present as a "normal variation" in patients who wear an open TBS, but their prevalence is higher in those wearing constrictive toe-box shoes. This could be due to a reactive bone formation secondary to the friction caused by the inner border of the shoe. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Montiel
- Dpto de COT, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Avda Pio XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Andrés Valentí
- Dpto de COT, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Avda Pio XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Villas
- Dpto de COT, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Avda Pio XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Valverde
- Dpto de COT, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Avda Pio XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matías Alfonso
- Dpto de COT, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Avda Pio XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
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Puszczalowska-Lizis E, Koziol K, Omorczyk J. Perception of footwear comfort and its relationship with the foot structure among youngest-old women and men. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12385. [PMID: 34722004 PMCID: PMC8532988 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adequate footwear comfort and functionality are important regardless of age, but they become particularly important in the youngest-old women and men, mainly due to the fact that this age range is the initial period of old age with changes in shoe preferences. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of footwear comfort and its relationship with the feet structure in youngest-old women and men. Methods The cross-sectional study covered community dwellers living on their own aged 65–74 years (50 women; 50 men). The feet characteristics were measured using the CQ-ST podoscope (Electronic System, Ltd, EU), and the perception of footwear comfort was assessed with a visual analogue scale. The assessment took into account gender-specific footwear of a certain brand (Befado Dr orto). Results Statistically significant intergender differences were observed in the perception of footwear comfort with respect to the shoe heel width (p = 0.022), the arch height (p = 0.013), the overall comfort (p = 0.049) and the material properties of the footwear (p = 0.017). In women, there were statistically significant positive relationships among the heel angle (γ) and the perception of footwear comfort in terms of heel cushioning (p = 0.021), forefoot cushioning (p = 0.015), arch height (p = 0.029). In men, there was a statistically significant negative relationship of the left foot Clarke’s angle with the heel height (p = 0.043), and a positive relationship between the right foot width and the arch height (p = 0.044). Conclusions Youngest-old women, compared to men of the same age range, have a higher perception of shoe comfort in terms of the shoe heel width, the arch height, the overall comfort of the footwear and the material properties of the footwear. The appropriate profile and construction of the shoe allows for an increase in the contact surface of the foot with the shoe, hence the improvement in the perception of footwear comfort in people with lowered arch or widened forefoot.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jaroslaw Omorczyk
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Institute of Sport, University of Physical Education in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
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The Impact of Kinesiology Taping on a Greek Foot with a Hammertoe-A Case Report. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9091178. [PMID: 34574952 PMCID: PMC8466801 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9091178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hammertoe, one of the most common toe deformities, causes pain due to overloading of the periarticular tissues and skin lesions. Additionally, it results in problems with footwear choice, an unattractive foot appearance and a deterioration in quality of life. The most common treatment for rigid and advanced deformities is surgery, and these procedures are widely described in literature. If the changes in the interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints are flexible (that mean they undergo correction without causing pain) or surgery is not possible, conservative treatment should be considered. No research, however, has been found detailing this treatment method. Conservative treatment includes the Kinesiology Taping (KT) method, which involves applying taping to correct deformities. This report describes the effect of KT treatment in a female patient with hammertoes. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric foot measurements (3D scanner) and foot loadings (baropodometric platform) are presented before KT applying, immediately after tapes application and after tapes removal following one month of use. Results: After using KT application parameters such as: foot length, maximum foot load, load under the area of the metatarsals II-III changed. Conclusion: Kinesiology Taping seems to be a symptomatic form of treatment of the effects of lesser toes deformity, therefore it is a good alternative for patients who do not want or cannot undergo surgery.
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Shoji A, Abe K, Hasuno K, Kanda M, Okabe A. A method for estimating shoe size selection criteria for use in the transition from bed rest to a wheelchair, and from a wheelchair to standing and walking. FOOTWEAR SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2021.1917695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ai Shoji
- Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kaoru Abe
- Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kan Hasuno
- Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masaru Kanda
- Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Azumi Okabe
- Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
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Fujii K, Stolt M. Evaluation of the development process and effects of a foot care program with educational tools for nurses and care workers as in-home service providers. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:418. [PMID: 32891178 PMCID: PMC7487692 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Nurses and care workers who provide in-home services play important roles in assessing and providing care for older people who lack foot self-care abilities. We aimed to evaluate the development process and effects of a foot care program with educational tools for nurses and care workers as in-home service providers. This is a process evaluation with a descriptive mixed-methods study of quantitative and qualitative data conducted from July to October 2019 in Japan. Results Foot care education tools were developed to address the issues faced by participants with various work patterns and insufficient foot care education in Japan. The contents of these tools were discussed by a panel and reviewed by experts. Three outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation. Changes in foot care practice scores were significantly correlated with performance scores. The evaluations of five of the eight field nurses suggested that excess information was included in the foot care booklet. Overall, 29 nurses and care workers showed higher than average evaluation scores [3.8–4.1 (standard deviation, 0.62–0.91)] for the motion pictures and PowerPoint presentation. A program according to this conceptual framework must be established and periodically evaluated for refinement. Trial Registration The trial registration number for the University Hospital Medical Information Network is UMIN000036307. Registration Date—2019/07/25
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashiko Fujii
- Graduate School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Nagoya University, 1-1-20 Daiko-Minami, Higasi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Minna Stolt
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Fujii K, Stolt M. Intervention study of a foot-care programme enhancing knowledge and practice among nurses and care workers at in-home service providers. Nurs Open 2020; 7:1039-1051. [PMID: 32587723 PMCID: PMC7308698 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To evaluate the foot-care educational programme for nurses and care workers at in-home service providers. Design A non-randomized controlled study with random cluster sampling method. Methods Study participants were nurses and care workers of 21 in-home service providers, including home-visit nursing and care providers, 1-day care service centres or care centres with rehabilitation programme in Japan. Foot-care programme with foot-care tools as a package or standard care comprising 3-5 sessions over 2 months was provided to 110 participants (87 were on analysis). The outcomes were changes in foot-care knowledge and scores in pre-post interventions. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, t test, logistic regression analysis and ANCOVA. Results Before adjusting for background, total scores of knowledge and practice categories were higher than the baseline in the intervention group (43 participants) compared with the control group (44 participants). After background correction due to potential bias of non-random cluster sampling, significant between group differences were observed in mean score changes in skin and consultation subscales of the practice category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashiko Fujii
- Graduate School of MedicineSchool of Health SciencesNagoya UniversityNagoya CityJapan
- University of Human EnvironmentsObuJapan
| | - Minna Stolt
- Department of Nursing ScienceUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Turku University HospitalTurkuFinland
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Fujii K. Effect of foot care interventions for older adults using day care services. Nurs Open 2019; 6:1372-1380. [PMID: 31660164 PMCID: PMC6805289 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This study explored the prevalence of foot problems among older adults and the effectiveness of foot care interventions for improving toe-gap force and foot flexibility. Foot problems are very common among people aged 65 years and older. However, the effects of foot care interventions on components underlying these issues (i.e., toe-gap force and foot flexibility) are unclear. DESIGN This was a quasi-experimental study. METHODS Eighteen older adults were divided into three groups: medical foot care intervention, combined intervention and control group. The combined intervention group received medical foot care, foot hygiene and five-toed socks. Toe-gap force and foot flexibility were measured. RESULTS The most common foot problems were hallux valgus, toe deformities, nail discoloration and thickness and dryness. Significant differences in right foot toe-gap force were observed between the combined intervention and control groups. There were no significant differences in foot flexibility between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashiko Fujii
- Department of Nursing, Graduate School of MedicineNagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
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Miikkola M, Lantta T, Suhonen R, Stolt M. Challenges of foot self-care in older people: a qualitative focus-group study. J Foot Ankle Res 2019; 12:5. [PMID: 30675187 PMCID: PMC6339366 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-019-0315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Foot health is an important aspect of general health, and it can be maintained and promoted through foot self-care. However, little is known about older people’s experiences of caring for their feet. The aim of this study was to gather knowledge about experiences of foot self-care from the perspective of healthy older people in order to improve their welfare and their management of foot health. Methods A qualitative descriptive design with focus groups was used. Seventeen older people recruited from daytime activity centres participated in the focus groups (n = 4). The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results The participants described their foot self-care as including various activities, but they were hindered by the following factors: physical (e.g. changes in nail structure), external (e.g. seeking help from multi-level professionals) and internal (e.g. related to ageing). Foot self-care was considered to be important, but it was not systematically carried out. The participants thought that health-care professionals neglected patients’ feet. Conclusions Older people use a variety of methods to care for their feet. However, several factors hinder their ability to do so. Older people need advice, education and support to maintain their foot health. Future research is needed to identify effective ways to support older people in foot self-care and improve their welfare as active citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Miikkola
- 1Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tella Lantta
- 1Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Riitta Suhonen
- 1Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,2Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,City of Turku, Welfare Division, Turku, Finland
| | - Minna Stolt
- 1Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,2Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Menz HB, Auhl M, Spink MJ. Foot problems as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas 2018; 118:7-14. [PMID: 30415759 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foot problems are common in older people. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether foot problems increase the risk of falling in community-dwelling older people. METHODS Electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2018. To be eligible for inclusion, papers needed to (i) include community-dwelling older participants, (ii) document falls either retrospectively or prospectively, and (iii) document or assess the presence of foot problems. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent assessors, with disagreements resolved by consensus. RESULTS A total of 146 papers were screened by title and abstract, and nine met the inclusion criteria. An additional six eligible papers were identified by searching the reference lists of included papers, resulting in a total of 15 papers. Quantitative synthesis indicated that older people who fell were more likely to have foot pain, hallux valgus, lesser toe deformity, plantar fasciitis, reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, reduced toe plantarflexion strength, impaired tactile sensitivity and increased plantar pressures when walking. Meta-analysis indicated that fallers were more likely to have foot pain (pooled odds ratio [OR] 1.95, 95% CI 1.38-2.76, p < 0.001), hallux valgus (pooled OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.19-3.00, p = 0.007) and lesser toe deformity (pooled OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.07-2.59, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION Foot problems, particularly foot pain, hallux valgus and lesser toe deformity, are associated with falls in older people. Documentation of foot problems and referral to foot care specialists should therefore be a routine component of falls risk assessment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hylton B Menz
- School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Maria Auhl
- School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Martin J Spink
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, 2258, Australia
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