Abstract
BackgroundHallux valgus, lesser toe deformity, and muscle weakness of the toe flexors contribute to falls in older people. This study aimed to examine the differences in toe flexor strength and foot morphology in older people requiring long-term care due to changes in the way they mobilize in everyday life.MethodsThis study included 84 people aged ≥70 years without motor paralysis who underwent rehabilitation. They were divided into those who could mobilize without a wheelchair (walking group, n = 54) and those who used a wheelchair to mobilize (wheelchair group, n = 30). The presence or absence of diseases was confirmed, and hand grip strength, toe flexor strength, and foot morphology using the foot printer were measured. The presence of diseases, hand grip strength, toe flexor strength, and foot morphology were compared between the two groups. Multiple logistic analysis was performed with wheelchair dependence as the dichotomous outcome variable, and the percentages of each strength measure observed in the wheelchair group to the average hand grip and toe flexor strength measures in the walking group were compared.ResultsNo significant between-group difference in foot morphology was found. The factors related to the differences in ways of ambulating in daily life were history of fracture, heart disease, and toe flexor strength. After comparing the muscle strength of the wheelchair group with the mean values of the walking group, we found that the toe flexor strength was significantly lower than the hand grip strength.ConclusionsOlder people who used a wheelchair to mobilize have significantly less toe flexor strength than those who do not despite no significant difference in foot morphology. Use of a wheelchair is associated with a reduction in toe flexor strength.
Highlights
Hallux valgus, lesser toe deformity, and muscle weakness of the toe flexors contribute to falls in older people
No significant difference was noted in foot morphology between the two groups
Toe flexor strength was significantly decreased compared to the hand grip strength (p = 0.004). This cross-sectional study examined the differences in toe flexor strength and foot morphology between older individuals who use a wheelchair and those who walk in everyday life
Summary
Lesser toe deformity, and muscle weakness of the toe flexors contribute to falls in older people. This study aimed to examine the differences in toe flexor strength and foot morphology in older people requiring long-term care due to changes in the way they mobilize in everyday life. The reported odds ratios for falls range from 1.67 to 1.95 in community-dwelling older people with foot problems, such as foot pain, hallux valgus, and lesser toe deformities [2]. Many studies have focused on foot morphology of community-dwelling older people, there are only a few reports focused on this issue in older people that require long-term care. The foot morphology of frail older people who need long-term nursing care remains unknown
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
