Abstract
IntroductionFoot problems are likely to contribute to falls risk in older adults. Foot and ankle exercises may be beneficial, but uptake may be influenced by cultural factors. Few studies have explored the views of older adults from different cultural backgrounds about foot-specific falls risk factors, and foot and ankle falls prevention exercises.ObjectivesTo explore the views of Scottish and Portuguese community-dwelling older adults who have experienced a fall, about any foot risk factors for falls, and foot and ankle exercises.MethodsCross-cultural qualitative study with (n = 6) focus groups exploring the perceptions of Scottish (n = 10, mean age 76 yrs) and Portuguese older adults (n = 14, mean age 66 years) aged, applying thematic analysis.ResultsOne main theme `evolving awareness about feet and falls prevention´ and three subthemes; (i) Feet are often forgotten, (ii) the important role of footwear, (iii) need to look at my feet and do the exercises were identified. Scottish participants had more experience of falls prevention but there was a lack of knowledge surrounding foot-specific falls risk factors, and the role of ankle and foot exercise in the prevention of falls. Portuguese participants exhibited a fatalistic approach to falls.ConclusionsOlder adults from both nations had little knowledge of foot-specific falls risk factors, being initially unaware of the functional status of their feet and of the role of exercise in foot care and falls management. There were differences between national groups that should be accounted for when developing culturally adequate interventions.
Highlights
Foot problems are likely to contribute to falls risk in older adults
Scottish participants had more experience of falls prevention but there was a lack of knowledge surrounding footspecific falls risk factors, and the role of ankle and foot exercise in the prevention of falls
Foot care seeks to address symptoms and prevent foot problems, and includes treatments ranging from nail care to foot and ankle exercises [4]
Summary
Foot problems are likely to contribute to falls risk in older adults. Foot and ankle exercises may be beneficial, but uptake may be influenced by cultural factors. Few studies have explored the views of older adults from different cultural backgrounds about foot-specific falls risk factors, and foot and ankle falls prevention exercises. Ageing brings changes to foot health and foot function [1], with a greater prevalence of foot problems in later life [2]. Knowledge and awareness on general foot health and foot function appears to vary greatly in this age group [4, 6]. There appears to be a gap in the literature concerning specific perceptions surrounding the link between foot problems and falls risk
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