Abstract
There was a significant reduction in falls rate in the intervention group compared to the control group (incidence rate ratio=0.64, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.91, p=0.01) but no significant differences between the groups in the proportion of fallers/ multiple fallers. There were also significant improvements in secondary outcome measures of the SF-12 physical subscale, the MFPDI function subscale, and several measures of foot and ankle strength and ROM, balance and functional ability in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusions In older people with foot pain and an elevated risk of falling, a multifaceted podiatry intervention reduces the rate of falls by 36% and improves several aspects of foot and ankle strength, ROM, balance and functional ability suggesting that podiatry has av aluable role to play in preventing falls in older people.
Highlights
There is growing evidence that foot problems and inappropriate footwear impair balance and increase the risk of falls in older people
Efficacy of a multifaceted podiatry intervention to improve balance and prevent falls in older people: a randomised trial
There was a significant reduction in falls rate in the intervention group compared to the control group but no significant differences between the groups in the proportion of fallers/ multiple fallers
Summary
Efficacy of a multifaceted podiatry intervention to improve balance and prevent falls in older people: a randomised trial. Martin J Spink1,2*, Mohammad R Fotoohabadi, Elin Wee, Karl B Landorf, Keith D Hill, Stephen R Lord, Hylton B Menz. From Australasian Podiatry Council Conference 2011 Melbourne, Australia. From Australasian Podiatry Council Conference 2011 Melbourne, Australia. 26-29 April 2011
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