9 research outputs found

    Medial longitudinal arch development of school children : The College of Podiatry Annual Conference 2015: meeting abstracts

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    Background Foot structure is often classified into flat foot, neutral and high arch type based on the variability of the Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA). To date, the literature provided contrasting evidence on the age when MLA development stabilises in children. The influence of footwear on MLA development is also unknown. Aim This study aims to (i) clarify whether the MLA is still changing in children from age 7 to 9 years old and (ii) explore the relationship between footwear usage and MLA development, using a longitudinal approach. Methods We evaluated the MLA of 111 healthy school children [age = 6.9 (0.3) years] using three parameters [arch index (AI), midfoot peak pressure (PP) and maximum force (MF: % of body weight)] extracted from dynamic foot loading measurements at baseline, 10-month and 22-month follow-up. Information on the type of footwear worn was collected using survey question. Linear mixed modelling was used to test for differences in the MLA over time. Results Insignificant changes in all MLA parameters were observed over time [AI: P = .15; PP: P = .84; MF: P = .91]. When gender was considered, the AI of boys decreased with age [P = .02]. Boys also displayed a flatter MLA than girls at age 6.9 years [AI: mean difference = 0.02 (0.01, 0.04); P = .02]. At baseline, subjects who wore close-toe shoes displayed the lowest MLA overall [AI/PP/MF: P < .05]. Subjects who used slippers when commencing footwear use experienced higher PP than those who wore sandals [mean difference = 31.60 (1.44, 61.75) kPa; post-hoc P = .04]. Discussion and conclusion Our findings suggested that the MLA of children remained stable from 7 to 9 years old, while gender and the type of footwear worn during childhood may influence MLA development. Clinicians may choose to commence therapy when a child presents with painful flexible flat foot at age 7 years, and may discourage younger children from wearing slippers when they commence using footwear

    A cross-sectional observational study comparing foot and ankle characteristics in people with stroke and healthy controls

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    Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and compare foot and ankle characteristics in people with stroke and healthy controls; and between stroke fallers and non-fallers.Methods: Participants were recruited from community groups and completed standardized tests assessing sensation, foot posture, foot function, ankle dorsiflexion and first metatarsal phalangeal joint range of motion (1st MPJ ROM), hallux valgus presence and severity.Results: Twenty-three stroke participants (mean age 75.09?Ā±?7.57 years; 12 fallers) and 16 controls (mean age 73.44?Ā±?8.35 years) took part. Within the stroke group, reduced 1st MPJ sensation (p?=?0.016) and 1st MPJ ROM (p?=?0.025) were observed in the affected foot in comparison to the non-affected foot; no other differences were apparent. Pooled data (for both feet) was used to explore between stroke/control (n?=?78 feet) and stroke faller/non-faller (n?=?46 feet) group differences. In comparison to the control group, stroke participants exhibited reduced sensation of the 1st MPJ (p?=?0.020), higher Foot Posture Index scores (indicating greater foot pronation, p?=?0.008) and reduced foot function (p?=?0.003). Stroke fallers exhibited significantly greater foot pronation in comparison to non-fallers (p?=?0.027).Conclusions: Results indicated differences in foot and ankle characteristics post stroke in comparison to healthy controls. These changes may negatively impact functional ability and the ability to preserve balance. Further research is warranted to explore the influence of foot problems on balance ability and falls in people with stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Foot problems are common post stroke. As foot problems have been linked to increased fall risk among the general population we recommend that it would be beneficial to include foot and ankle assessments or a referral to a podiatrist for people with stroke who report foot problems. Further research is needed to explore if we can improve functional performance post stroke and reduce fall risk if treatment or prevention of foot problems can be included in stroke rehabilitation

    Footwear characteristics and foot problems in community dwelling people with stroke: a cross-sectional observational study

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    Purpose: To explore footwear characteristics and foot problems in community dwelling people with stroke as most research to date focused on the general elderly population. Methods: Thirty people with mild to moderate stroke (nine men, mean age 68, mean time since onset 67Ā months) attended a single session to assess footwear and foot problems using established podiatry foot (wear) and ankle assessments. Results: Most participants wore slippers indoors (n = 17, 57%) and walking shoes outdoors (n = 11, 37%). Over half wore unsupportive ill-fitting shoes indoors and 47% of outdoor shoes fitted badly. All participants had foot problems (mean 6.5 (3.1), 95% CI: 5.4ā€“7.7), including impaired single limb heel raise (93%), reduced range of movement (77%), sensation (47%), and muscle strength (43%). Many had foot-pain, hallux valgus (both 50%), or swollen feet (40%). Foot problems were associated with reduced balance confidence, activity, and community participation (all p &lt; 0.05). A greater proportion of fallers (13/16) than non-fallers (4/14) reported foot problems (p = 0.029). Conclusions: Many community-dwelling people with stroke wore poorly fitting shoes; all had foot problems. Foot problems were linked to reduced mobility. Finding more effective pathways to support people with stroke to select supportive, well-fitting indoor and outdoor footwear is indicated.Implications for rehabilitation People with stroke often wear unsupportive ill-fitting shoes and experience foot problems. Assessment of foot problems and footwear advice should be considered during stroke rehabilitation particularly when interventions target fall prevention or improvements in balance and mobility. Information on appropriate footwear and signposting that new shoe purchases should include measuring feet to ensure a good fit is recommended.</p

    A survey exploring self-reported indoor and outdoor footwear habits, foot problems and fall status in people with stroke and Parkinson's

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    BACKGROUND: Ill-fitting shoes have been implicated as a risk factor for falls but research to date has focused on people with arthritis, diabetes and the general older population; little is known about people with neurological conditions. This survey for people with stroke and Parkinsonā€™s explored peopleā€™s choice of indoor and outdoor footwear, foot problems and fall history. METHODS: Following ethical approval, 1000 anonymous postal questionnaires were distributed to health professionals, leads of Parkinsonā€™s UK groups and stroke clubs in the wider Southampton area, UK. These collaborators handed out survey packs to people with a confirmed diagnosis of stroke or Parkinsonā€™s. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty three completed surveys were returned (218 from people with Parkinsonā€™s and 145 from people with stroke). Most respondents wore slippers indoors and walking shoes outdoors and considered comfort and fit the most important factors when buying footwear. Foot problems were reported by 43Ā % (95Ā % confidence intervals 36 to 52Ā %; stroke) and 53Ā % (95Ā % confidence interval 46 to 59Ā %; Parkinsonā€™s) of respondents; over 50Ā % had never accessed foot care support. Fifty percent of all respondents reported falls. In comparison to non-fallers, a greater proportion of fallers reported foot problems (57Ā %), with greater proportions reporting problems impacting on balance and influencing choice of footwear (pā€‰<ā€‰0.01) in comparison to non-fallers in each case. Forty-seven percent of fallers with foot problems had not accessed foot care support. CONCLUSIONS: Many people with stroke and Parkinsonā€™s wear slippers indoors. A high percentage of these individuals reported both foot problems and falls impacting on footwear habits and choice of footwear; however many did not receive foot care support. These findings highlight that further exploration of footwear and foot problems in these populations is warranted to provide evidence based advice on safe and appropriate footwear to support rehabilitation and fall prevention. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13047-016-0170-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

    Abstracts from The College of Podiatry Annual Conference 2016

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