Effects of Foot Deformities on Gait, Balance and Functional Mobility in Older Women

Abstract

Objective: Foot deformities occur in about 80% of the older women. Structural andphysiological changes in the foot occur with aging. These changes can directly affect individual’smobility and quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of foot deformities regarding to severity on gait, balance and functional mobility in nursing home residingolder women. Material and Methods: Eighty healthy women aged 65 years and older who residednursing home were included in the study. Spatiotemporal characteristics of gait, balance and functional mobility and energy consumption among to all participants were evaluated. Results: Themean age of the participants was 67±3.24 years and body mass index (BMI) was 32.39±5.16 kg/m2.Forty-five participants (56.2%) had mild deformity and 35 participants had moderate deformity. Noparticipants had severe deformity. The most common foot deformity was pes planus (90%). Compared with the mild deformity group when BMI was as a covariate the moderate deformity grouphave higher energy consumption (p=0.037). There were no differences in right step length(p=0.627), left step length (p=0.925), cadence (p=0.508), step width (p=0.055), gait speed (p=0.708),Functional Reach Test (p=0.211), Four Square Step Test (p=0.542) and Time Up and Go Test(p=0.763) between deformity groups. Conclusion: Physiotherapists should include appropriate energy conservation techniques in the rehabilitation of older women who have foot deformities. Theyshould offer orthotics and appropriate footwear to older women to prevent new deformities and decrease progression of existing foot deformities.