Abstract
BackgroundAbnormalities in the feet and toenails are common among the elderly and may increase the risk of falls. This study aimed to investigate the changes in toe-gap force, knee-gap force, foot pressure distribution, the ability to perform activities of daily living, subjects’ feelings and behaviors, and physical function resulting from daily lifestyle modification and foot care.MethodsThe study participants included 74 elderly adults (mean age 80.3 ± 7.5 years) with foot problems who had been divided into three groups based on Japan’s nursing care insurance system levels: certified ineligible for support, eligible for support, or eligible for long-term care. Additionally, a control group of 106 elderly adults in good health was recruited. The differences between the intervention and control groups was examined using the Student’s t-test, and differences between the three intervention subgroups and the control group were examined using one-way analysis of variance.ResultsAfter intervention, abnormalities in the participants’ feet and toenails improved. Significant increases in lower-limb muscle strength were observed, and foot pressure distribution had improved. The foot-care intervention significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength and decreased the risk of falling, even in elderly adults whose physical function had deteriorated.ConclusionIn frail elderly adults, care of the feet and toenails can improve lower-limb muscle strength and foot pressure distribution. In addition, the individuals’ social participation increased, and their behavior improved.Trial registrationUniversity hospital Medical Information Network- Clinical Trials (UMIN-CTR) with the number: UMIN000034742. Registration date: 11/01/2018.
Highlights
Abnormalities in the feet and toenails are common among the elderly and may increase the risk of falls
Yamashita et al BMC Geriatrics (2019) 19:83 addition, fractures sustained in falls have been identified as a key factor in reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and increase in medical expenses in elderly adults
The mean ages of the control group and the certified eligible for support and long-term care subgroups differed significantly
Summary
Abnormalities in the feet and toenails are common among the elderly and may increase the risk of falls. This study aimed to investigate the changes in toe-gap force, knee-gap force, foot pressure distribution, the ability to perform activities of daily living, subjects’ feelings and behaviors, and physical function resulting from daily lifestyle modification and foot care. Abnormalities in elderly feet and toenails, including toenail thickening, wounds, and Yamashita et al BMC Geriatrics (2019) 19:83 addition, fractures sustained in falls have been identified as a key factor in reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and increase in medical expenses in elderly adults. Reducing the risk of falling via the administration of foot and toenail care is critical to the improvement and maintenance of physical function and ADL in elderly adults. Studies on the changes in physical function due to foot care have been carried out, none have examined its influence on the patients’ behavior and attitude
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