Foot Health Status Questionnaire Research Articles

Comparing the effectiveness of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of insoles manufactured from foam box cast versus direct scans on patient-reported outcome measures: a protocol for a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial

IntroductionCustom insoles are a routine treatment for many foot pathologies, and the use of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is well established within clinical practice in the UK. The...

Relationship between ultrasound imaging of dorsalis pedis artery and foot health symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease which affects joint function and multiple body systems. Poor foot health for people with RA has a negative impact on mobility, functional capacity, and quality of life. Additional to joint pain, people with RA may develop vascular disease e.g., vasculitis, which can have increasingly detrimental effects on foot health, quality of life and longevity. If identified early, adverse effects may be prevented. However, the link between foot health symptoms and ultrasound identified precursory changes for vasculitis is yet to be established. ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the association between foot health symptoms and the integrity of the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA). MethodsWe recruited 47 participants with RA and 47 characteristic-matched controls. All participants completed an online survey which included demographic questions and Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Ultrasound imaging measured participants’ proximal DPA in terms of degree of wall inflammation, lumen diameter, artery diameter, lumen-to-artery diameter ratio and peak systolic velocity. ResultsSignificant differences (p < 0.001) were noted between groups for degree of wall inflammation, artery diameter and lumen to artery diameter ratio, while lumen diameter and peak systolic velocity demonstrated no statistical difference. Degree of wall inflammation demonstrated stronger association with FHSQ score (r = −0.454, p < 0.001) than artery diameter (r = −0.361, p < 0.001) and lumen-to-artery diameter ratio (r = 0.404, p < 0.001), while FHSQ score did not relate to lumen diameter (p = 0.798) nor peak systolic velocity (p = 0.258). ConclusionWe identified specific vascular ultrasound parameters were associated with foot symptoms among people with RA. This non-invasive imaging technique may be a viable method to monitor foot health and disease management.

Effectiveness of Jumping Rope Exercise Verses Short Foot Exercise on Pain and Quality of Life for Subjects with Flat Foot

Background: Pes planus, commonly known as flat foot, is a deformity that leads to the collapse of the mediallongitudinal arch and flattening of the foot against the ground. This study aims to compare the effectiveness ofjumping rope exercise and short foot exercise on pain reduction and improvement in quality of life for patientswith flatfoot.Purpose: To find out the effect of Jumping rope exercise versus short foot exercise among individuals with flatfoot.Method: A sample of 30 participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the study.They were divided into two groups: the jumping rope exercise group with ultrasound (n=15) and the short footexercise group with ultrasound (n=15). The interventions were administered five times a week for three weeks.The entire process was performed from November 2022 to April 2023.Outcome measure: The navicular drop test (NDT) was used to measure the degree of foot pronation, the NumericPain Rating Scale (NPRS) was employed to assess pain levels, and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ)was utilized to evaluate participants’ quality of life.Results: The mean value of the jumping rope exercise group at the post-test was significantly higher than that ofthe short foot exercise group, with a p-value of &lt;0.0001Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that jumping rope exercise with ultrasound therapy yieldssuperior outcomes in managing Pes Planus compared to short foot exercise.

Assessment and indicators of hallux limitus related with quality of life and foot health in school children.

Functional Hallux Limitus (FHL) is a dynamic foot dysfunction characterized by a limitation of hallux dorsiflexion when the first metatarsal head is under load. FHL plays a role in the development of osteoarthrosis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (IMTPJ). Forefoot disorders can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to dysfunction and pain. The aim of this project was to evaluate the quality of life of school-aged individuals with and without FHL using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes in paediatric age. A total sample of 116 children between 6 and 12 years old was used to conduct this research. The sample was divided into two groups: (i) the healthy group (n = 58) and the FHL group (n = 58). The FHSQ was completed and the FHL test was performed in a seated position to classify the patients into the selected group. Non-significant changes were observed when the mean values of the FHSQ domains were compared between the groups with and without FHL, except for the "general foot health" domain (p = 0,024) associated with the specific foot health section (section 1) of the Questionnaire. For the domains linked with the general well-being section (section 2), there was not a statistically difference in the mean of the scores obtained between the two school-aged groups with and without FHL, being slightly lower in the group with the presence of FHL for the overall health and physical function domains. Both the healthy and case groups obtained and identical range of scores (10-100) for the "foot pain" domain. Nevertheless, the mean of the score was lower for the participants with FHL. The perception of the quality of general foot health was poorer in the school-aged group with FHL. Variables such as foot pain and footwear are likely contributors influencing the perception of foot health quality. The school-aged population with FHL faces a decline in the quality of foot life. Ensuring adequate foot control in children and implementing future foot programs for this population are imperative for enhancing school children's perception of foot health and managing the development of pain and footwear-related issues.

Arabic translation, cross cultural adaptation, and validation of Foot Health Status Questionnaire among Saudi individuals with plantar fasciitis

BackgroundMeasuring quality of life (QoL) plays an essential role in enabling meaningful cross-cultural comparisons. The Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) is a valid tool for assessing both foot-specific and general health-related quality of life (HrQoL), making it suitable for evaluating Plantar Fasciitis (PF) patients.MethodologyThe aim of this study is to translate the FHSQ into Arabic following methodological assessments of the translation procedure. The translation was done using forward and back translation. A pre-test questionnaire was distributed among 50 patients, resulting in the final FHSQ-Ar version, which then underwent various psychometric evaluations among 87 persons with PF, including internal consistency, dimensionality, reliability, interpretability, and construct validity against the 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).ResultsInternal consistency was adequate, ranging from 0.70 to 0.92. Reliability values ranged from 0.69 to 0.80, with a poor standard error of measurement (individual) but an acceptable standard error of measurement (group). Two domains exhibited floor effects, while one domain showed a ceiling effect. Regarding validity, three out of four hypothesized correlations with VAS scores were confirmed. Factor analysis revealed four dimensions, and confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good fit (comparative fit index = 0.98, standardized root mean square = 0.06).ConclusionThe psychometric properties of the FHSQ-Ar were satisfactory. Further validation for other diseases may be warranted.

Impact of Plantar Fasciitis on Foot-Specific and Generic Health-Related Quality of Life in King Khalid University Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

Objectives The objective is to assess the extent of foot-specific and generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impairment among individuals diagnosed with plantar fasciitis (PF) at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, and to determine the influence of various sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we administered an online survey from March to June 2023 to patients with PF at King Khalid University Hospital. This questionnaire covered sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics, and included the translated Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Further, patient data were obtained from hospital records between 2016 and 2023 using the E-SIHI system. Results We recruited 209 patients for the study. Lower FHSQ scores were found in unemployed and low-income participants indicating a worse quality of life (QoL) in the Foot Pain domain, while those aged over 40 years and with low income showed greater impairment in the General Foot Health domain. No single factor influenced the Foot Function or Footwear domains. Worse General Health and Physical Activity scores were associated with low-education and low-income participants and those who did not exercise. Women exhibited a lower QoL than men in all domains except for General Health. Conclusion The QoL of Saudi women with PF was similar to that of women in other countries. However, the patients in the present study reported poorer footwear scores but better General Health scores. Therefore, focusing more on proper footwear-related treatments may help improve the QoL of patients with PF.

Foot health and quality of life among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFoot conditions are frequent among the Saudi population. However, little is known regarding the effects of foot health on quality of life among the general Saudi population. This study aimed to assess foot health status, general health, and quality of life among the population of Riyadh using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, out of the total number of participants approached, using a preset questionnaire, by trained medical students to participate in this study, 398 met the inclusion criteria. The questionnaire started with an informed consent followed by a set of questions regarding the sociodemographic and past medical characteristics of the participants. Foot health and overall health were assessed using a FHSQ.ResultsA statistically significant positive correlation was observed between all the FHSQ domains, except for footwear. The strongest correlation was observed between foot pain and foot function, foot pain and general foot health, and foot function and general foot health. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between general foot health and general health, vitality, social function. Our results also showed that foot pain, general foot health, vitality, and social function scores were significantly lower in women as compared to men.ConclusionSignificant positive correlation was observed between poor foot health and declining quality of life; thus, it is crucial to increase society’s awareness of the importance of medical foot care and continuous follow-up and consequences if left unrecognized and untreated. This is a major domain that can improve the well-being and quality of life of a population.

Health-related quality of life is substantially worse in individuals with plantar heel pain

This study aimed to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with and without plantar heel pain (PHP). This was a cross-sectional observational study that compared 50 adult participants with PHP to 25 participants without PHP who were matched for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). HRQoL measures included a generic measure, the Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2), and foot-specific measures, including 100 mm visual analogue scales (VASs) for pain, the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), and the Foot Function Index-Revised (FFI-R). Comparisons in HRQoL between the two groups were conducted using linear regression, with additional adjustment for the comorbidity, osteoarthritis, which was found to be substantially different between the two groups. For generic HRQoL, participants with PHP scored worse in the SF-36v2 physical component summary score (p < 0.001, large effect size), but there was no difference in the mental component summary score (p = 0.690, very small effect size). Specifically, physical function (p < 0.001, very large effect size), role physical (p < 0.001, large effect size) and bodily pain (p < 0.001, large effect size) in the physical component section were worse in those with PHP. For foot-specific HRQoL, participants with PHP also scored worse in the VASs, the FHSQ and the FFI-R (p ≤ 0.005, huge effect sizes for all domains, except FHSQ footwear, which was large effect size, and FFR-R stiffness, activity limitation, and social issues, which were very large effect sizes). After accounting for age, sex, BMI and osteoarthritis, adults with PHP have poorer generic and foot-specific HRQoL.

Triad of foot deformities and its conservative treatment: With a 3D customized insole.

The coexisting of three deformities as hallux valgus, flatfoot, and the calcaneal spur is an undefined medical condition, and it may be called triad of foot deformities (TFD) as a definition for a new disease entity. A customized 3D insole prototype was created by postprocessing of MRI data, and printed by 3D printer technology for the purpose of providing effective and innovative treatment for TFD. A 42 years-old female was clinically examined for TFD findings. All radiological measurements were made on the weightbearing anteroposterior and lateral X-rays. The patient underwent the pedogram (RSscan International, footscan©). MRI images were taken for the purpose of 3D scanning that was used for producing the 3D splint for TFD. AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores) and FHSQ (Foot Health Status Questionnaire) were used for clinical follow-up. MRI images of the patient were imported to Mimics software in order to create a 3D model using image processing. Thus, Patient-Specific 3D customized silicone orthotic insole that was based on 3D printing technology was produced. The one-simple test was used to compare the results of AOFAS and FHSQ scores. The measurements of radiological measurements were given. On the clinical follow-up, AOFAS was FHSQ scores were obtained. There was a significant difference in terms of AOFAS and FHSQ scores (p ≤ 0.05). As a result of our study; our 3D customized insole was produced at the price of approximately 1/3 of the total cost of three standard medical products. The coexisting of these three deformities may be called triad of foot deformities (TFD). The 3D printer technology enables us to access a customized, personalized conservative treatment option for TFD. The conservative treatment of TFD is possible by a single orthotic insole.

Association between 30-s Chair Stand-Up Test and Anthropometric Values, Vibration Perception Threshold, FHSQ, and 15-D in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Simple SummaryType 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic global disease with a series of complications that lead to problems in the somatosensory system, the cardiovascular system, health-related quality of life, foot health, and even balance. These balance problems arise from deficits in lower limb strength, among other causes. The 30-s chair stand-up test is a test that evaluates leg strength and is an easy, quick, inexpensive, and predictive test of different parameters. How this test relates to health-related quality of life, vibration sensitivity threshold, and foot health has not been studied. This study tests the degree of the relationships of the 30-s chair stand-up test with the 15-dimensional (15-D) questionnaire, Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), vibration sensitivity threshold, and body composition questionnaires.Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic, worldwide disease affecting more than 400 million people. This pathology involves several associated problems, such as diabetic neuropathy complications, obesity, and foot problems, both in terms of health and sensitivity. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the relationships of the 30-s chair stand-up test with the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), the vibration perception threshold (VPT), and the 15-dimensional (15-D) questionnaire in T2DM people. Methodology: Ninety participants with T2DM were assessed in terms of fat mass percentage, VPT, foot health, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the 30-s chair stand-up test. Results: The 30-s chair stand-up test was found to exhibit a moderate relationship with “physical activity” (rho = 0.441; p ≤ 0.001) and “vigor” (rho = 0.443; p ≤ 0.001) from FHSQ. The 30-s chair stand-up test was also found to be weakly associated with foot pain (rho = 0.358; p = 0.001), 15-D total score (rho = 0.376; p ≤ 0.001), “sleeping” (rho = 0.371; p < 0.001), and “depression” (rho = 0.352; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The 30-s chair stand-up test is associated with “physical activity”, “vigor”, and “foot pain” from the FHSQ and the 15-D questionnaire total score and its dimensions “sleeping” and “depression” in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Therefore, following the results obtained, qualified clinicians can use the 30-s chair stand-up test as a good tool for monitoring and managing type 2 diabetes.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of Foot Health Status Questionnaire

Objectives: Foot disorders, especially pain and deformities, are common patient complaints. Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) was developed to assess general and foot health specifically in chronic foot disorders. The purpose of the current study was the cross-cultural adaptation of the FHSQ to Persian and evaluating the psychometric properties of the translated version. Methods: As per the International Quality of Life Assessment guideline, the forward and backward translations of the questionnaire were conducted by two independent translators. Accordingly, the final version was approved by a committee and confirmed by the developer. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the FHSQ were tested in 101 participants (Mean±SD age: 42.98±15.03 y) with chronic foot disorders. Face validity by impact score calculation; criterion validity through correlation to the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) scores; internal consistency by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and test-retest reliability by calculating intra-class correlation were tested to describe the psychometric features of its Persian version. Results: Face validity was confirmed by impact scores of &gt;1.5 for all items. The FHSQ was significantly correlated with the MOXFQ domains, supporting the criterion validity of the instrument, except for the shoe domain of the Persian FHSQ, i.e., not correlated with the pain domain of the MOXFQ (r=0.26). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for pain, function, shoe, and general foot health were measured as 0.93, 0.92, 0.90, and 0.96 respectively. Thus, it suggested an excellent internal consistency for all domains. The intra-class correlation coefficient ranged from 0.73 to 0.93 for all domains, reflecting its good to excellent reliability. Discussion: The Persian version of the FHSQ is a valid and reliable patient satisfaction measurement instrument for evaluating foot conditions. Moreover, the current study results supported the potential of applying it as an appropriate instrument in research and clinical setting. Implementing this tool could help to evaluate the effects of an intervention or estimate the prevalence of a disorder in Persian-speaking populations

Shoe-stiffening inserts for first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: a randomised trial

To evaluate the efficacy of carbon-fibre shoe-stiffening inserts in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis. This was a randomised, sham-controlled, participant- and assessor-blinded trial. One hundred participants with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis received rehabilitation therapy and were randomised to receive either carbon fibre shoe-stiffening inserts (n=49) or sham inserts (n=51). The primary outcome measure was the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) pain domain assessed at 12 weeks. All 100 randomised participants (mean age 57.5 (SD 10.3) years; 55 (55%) women) were included in the analysis of the primary outcome. At the 12 week primary endpoint, there were 13 drop-outs (7 in the sham insert group and 6 in the shoe-stiffening insert group), giving completion rates of 86 and 88%, respectively. Both groups demonstrated improvements in the FHSQ pain domain score at each follow-up period, and there was a significant between-group difference in favour of the shoe-stiffening insert group (adjusted mean difference of 6.66 points, 95% CI 0.65 to 12.67, P=0.030). There were no between-group differences for the secondary outcomes, although global improvement was more common in the shoe-stiffening insert group compared to the sham insert group (61 vs 34%, RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.88, P=0.033; number needed to treat 4, 95% CI 2 to 16). Carbon-fibre shoe-stiffening inserts were more effective at reducing foot pain than sham inserts at 12 weeks. These results support the use of shoe-stiffening inserts for the management of this condition, although due to the uncertainty around the effect on the primary outcome, some individuals may not experience a clinically worthwhile improvement.

Impact of chronic kidney diseases in feet health & quality of life: A case-series study

PurposeThe objective of this study is examine Quality of Life in subjects with chronic kidney disease utilizing Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Material and methods101 subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was studied in specialized clinics, in Extremadura (Spain). An observational descriptive study. The FHSQ was utilized to assess specific foot health (first section) and overall health (second division). The differences between clumps they were assessed using a t-test to independent samples. Results59.40% (n = 60) were men and 40.59% (n = 41) women. The mean age was 68.77 ± 14.07. In first division of the FHSQ, a less score was registered in footwear domain (39.25) and in general foot health domain (46.37). In second division, less scores were resulted in general health domain (72) and vigour domain (60.43). CKD women got less scores in every domain. Women with CKD obtained significantly less scores in dimensions of foot pain, foot function, footwear, general foot health, general health and physical activity and there was no difference contrasted with men in the dimensions of social capacity and vigour. ConclusionsThe studied CKD population has problems their feet. Quality of life of CKD subjects is negatively impacted by health of their feet, difficulties with footwear, their overall health, and lack of vitality. Women with CKD show lower values of quality of life contrasted to male patients, associated with inability to perform physical activity, lack of energy and tiredness.

Efficacy of a single botulinum toxin A injection for distal tarsal tunnel syndrome: A protocol for a randomized, double-blinded trial

IntroductionDistal tarsal tunnel syndrome (DTTS) is characterised by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes underneath the abductor hallucis muscle belly. There is no current consensus on treatment for DTTS. This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) versus ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection (CSI) for the treatment of DTTS. MethodsThis study was a single-centre, randomized, and double-blinded trial. The study protocol was submitted to the local ethics committee board and subsequently registered in a research registry. 88 patients with DTTS were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the treatment received. The patients were evaluated over 12 weeks. Evaluation was via the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). The primary outcome measures were pain and the secondary outcomes were function and the use of oral analgesics. All of the assessments were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment. ResultsThis is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of BTX-A versus CSI in the treatment of DTTS. This study has limited inclusion and exclusion criteria and a well-controlled intervention. ConclusionsThe results of this trial will provide more evidence on which method can better treat DTTS. Trial registrationWe have registered this trial with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry and the temporary trial number is 380,105.

Degree of Impact of Tailor's Bunion on Quality of Life: A Case-Control Study.

Tailor’s bunion (TB) disease should be considered one of the foot injuries that causes disability in feet as well as general health. This case–control descriptive study investigated and contrasted the effects of different TB types in a sociodemographic population using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). A sample of 100 subjects with a mean age of 51.70 ± 17.78 years was recruited and requested to reply to a foot health survey. Results were self-reported. Subjects were scored. Participants with TB type III (TB3) registered lower scores for foot pain, foot function, footwear, and foot health. Physical activity and social capacity had higher scores, and vigor and general health were lower. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used for systematic differences between the FHSQ and different TB types. In all analyses, statistical significance was considered a p-value <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Statistically significant differences were found between all domains of the FHSQ and TB, except for the social capacity domain and vigor. The FHSQ is an important measurement tool in TB subjects, showing that factors such as sex, age, and footwear used throughout an individual’s life are significantly associated with the development of TB3 and its influence on foot pain and foot health.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool

Purpose To perform a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool to develop its Spanish version (JHFRAT-Sp). Material and methods Two hundred eleven participants aged 60 years or older participated in this observational study. After translation and transcultural adaptation of the JHFRAT-Sp, the internal consistency, criterion validity and construct validity were calculated using the Falls Efficacy Scale International, Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), Health Questionnaire EuroQol (5Dimensions and VAS), Short Form-12v2 and Health Assessment Questionnaire. Results The internal consistency was 0.986. The test-retest analysis ranged from 0.971 to 0.983. The error measures presented values in MDC90 and SEM of 0.602 and 1.404%, respectively. The chi-Square value was 120.662 (p < 0.001). The extraction method by principal components showed a solution of four factors. Regarding the criterion validity, the correlation value ranged from r = 0.200 (FHSQ-Vigour) to r = 0.891 (EuroQol-VAS). Conclusions The JHFRAT was translated and adapted culturally from the original version to Spanish. The psychometric analysis carried out in the JHFRAT-Sp showed excellent reliability, as well as satisfactory results both in the measurement error analysis and in the construct and criterion validities. Spanish researchers and clinicians may use this tool to analyse the risk of falling. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION A transcultural translation and adaptation of the JHFRAT questionnaire into Spanish (JHFRAT-Sp) has been carried out. The JHFRAT-Sp questionnaire is shown as a tool with very satisfactory psychometric characteristics, which would allow its use by both researchers and clinicians for the evaluation and monitoring of patients at risk of falls. The results that can be extracted from the use of JHFRAT-Sp, can be compared with the same type of patients who have used the same questionnaire but in other clinical or research environments that have the validated version of JHFRAT in their native language, such as English, Chinese or Portuguese (Brazilian).

Women's Foot Health-Related Quality of Life in Ballet Dancers and Nondancers.

Prevalence and severity of symptoms related to muscle and joint pain seem to be high in most dancers. There will be a worse quality of life related to foot health for ballet dancers compared with nondancers. Case-control study. Level 4. A sample of 156 women was recruited from a clinic of podiatric medicine and surgery. Self-reported data were measured by the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), which has 33 questions that assess 8 health domains of the feet and general health, namely, foot pain, foot function, general foot health, footwear, general health, physical activity, social capacity, and vigor. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were shown for foot pain, foot function, foot health, and general health, which together revealed a worse foot health-related quality of life (lower FHSQ scores) but a better general health (higher FHSQ scores) for ballet dancers compared with nondancers. The remaining domains did not show statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). According to multivariate linear regression models (P < 0.05), the practice of ballet dance (group) was the only independent variable that predicted the dependent variables, such as foot pain (R2 = 0.052;β = +8.349), foot function (R2 = 0.108; β = +11.699), foot health (R2 = 0.039; β = +10.769), and general health (R2 = 0.019; β = -6.795). Ballet dancers showed a negative impact on quality of life related to foot health but better overall quality of life (general health) compared with nondancers. Paying attention to a dancer's foot health could provide important benefits for the dancer's foot health and physical practice of dance.

Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) in Spanish People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Preliminary Values Study.

Background and objectives: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. T2DM affects millions of people, and has a lot of complications such as impaired sensation in the feet. Moreover, it is important to know the health of the feet of people with T2DM. The aim of this study is to know the preliminary values of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) in people with T2DM. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 patients with T2DM with an average age of 65.56 years, divided in 54 men and 33 women, participated in this cross-sectional study. The main outcome was the health of the foot as measured by the FHSQ questionnaire. This questionnaire collects data on eight dimensions: Foot Pain, Foot Function, Shoe, General Foot Health, General Health, Physical Activity, Social Capacity, and Vigor. Results: Patients with T2DM have lower values in Foot Pain; median values in General Foot Health and high values in Foot Function, Shoe, Physical Activity and Social Capacity. Some of these dimensions are affected by age, diabetes control, Body Mass Index (BMI), and years of diagnosis. Females with T2DM have more problems than males in the Shoe, General Foot Health, Physical Activity and Vigor dimensions. Conclusions: this research gives us preliminary values of the FHSQ in Spanish patients with T2DM and divided by gender, age, diabetes control, BMI, and years of diagnosis in people with T2DM.

THE POTENTIAL OF FUNCTIONAL CORRECTION IN STATIC FOOT EFORMITY

The article explored the problem of static foot deformities. Static foot deformities (platypodia) bring about kinetic chain abnormalities, which result in chronic muscle overuse. Formthotics orthoses can be employed for functional correction of feet to restore impaired muscle patterns. The study involved 60 patients with combined transverse and longitudinal platypodia (23 males and 37 females) aged from 21 to 45 years. 20 patients (33,3 %) had platypodia 1st degree, 19 patients (31,7 %) - of the 2nd degree, 21 patient (35 %) - of the 3rd degree. To assess the condition of patients in the treatment period of 0,5 years or more, we used Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), designed to evaluate the quality of life in patients with a wide range of foot pathologies. The treatment outcomes included health gains reported by 42 patients (70 %) (relieved or controlled pain, reduced fatigue or tired feet syndrome on exertion). No significant positive changes were observed in 5 patients (8,4 %) after the treatment. 13 patients (21,6 %) did not adhere to the treatment. The obtained results have demonstrated that the functional correction of feet is of great importance for restoring the normal biomechanics of the locomotor apparatus.

Foot health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in regional and rural NSW, Australia

BackgroundFoot health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians’ has not been established. Additionally, studies have shown that there is a lack of engagement of this population with general preventive foot care services. The aim of this study was to establish foot health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attending two recently developed, culturally safe podiatry services in rural and regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Secondarily the relationship between self-perceived foot health and some medical and demographic characteristics was investigated.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study included participants attending the culturally safe foot health care services managed by the University of Newcastle on the Central Coast or in Wellington, both located in NSW, Australia. At the consultation, participants completed the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) with the assistance of an Aboriginal health care worker, underwent basic vascular and neurological screening, and podiatric treatment.ResultsA total of 111 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (48 from the Central Coast, and 63 from Wellington) were included. FHSQ scores for pain (75.7 ± 26.8), function (80.2 ± 25.2), footwear (53.9 ± 33.4), and general foot health (62.0 ± 30.9) were generally good, but below the optimal score of 100. The presence of diabetes (n = 39 of 111 participants or 35.1%) was associated with lower levels of self-perceived foot function (r = − 0.20, n = 107, p = 0.04).ConclusionWe found that community-based foot health care services that are culturally safe are utilised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples not currently at high risk of foot complications. This supports the use of culturally safe foot care services to improve engagement with preventative foot care. Future research should continue to be driven by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and investigate ways to implement additional screening measures and undertake prospective evaluation of the impact of such services on health related outcomes in these communities.