Podiatric conditions observed in Special Olympics athletes: Contrasting data from a USA versus an international population

Abstract

ObjectivesPersons with intellectual disabilities frequently have podiatric conditions. Findings from the 2018 United States Summer games (USA) venues are compared to those from athletes screened at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). MethodsData from Fit Feet screenings from 2445 United Arab Emirates (UAE) participants were compared to 1244 US participants. ResultsA sampling of results that reflect significant differences in findings between the USA cohort and Abu Dhabi cohort include ankle joint range of motion, excessive abduction, hallux abducto valgus and pes planus. The overall shoe to foot mismatch was found to be 52.2%. A professional referral was recommended 27.7% of the time in the USA data and 28.5% in the Abu Dhabi data. An urgent referral was requested 5.1% of the time for the USA data and 3.7% of the time in the Abu Dhabi data. ConclusionSpecial Olympics athletes experience a greater prevalence of identifiable podiatric conditions as compared to the general population. Several of the conditions investigated in this study differed significantly between the international Special Olympics cohort and the USA cohort. Assessment of the feet of Special Olympics athletes can help to better appreciate the podiatric conditions in a population of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The variance identified between populations of Special Olympics athletes may be a reflection on the lack of standardization of conditions that are assessed for as well as the disparate characteristics of the clinical volunteers. Future Fit Feet events may wish to consider significant improvements in objectivity and standardization as it pertains to the conditions that are evaluated for in the Fit Feet exam.