Are foot deformity and plantar sensitivity impairment associated with physical function of community-dwelling older adults?

Background: Foot deformities are highly prevalent in older adults and negatively impact their mobility and quality of life. However, the association between foot problems and physical function is still unclear.

Objective: To investigate whether structural foot deformities and plantar tactile sensitivity are associated with lower extremity physical function impairment in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: We included 200 men and women aged 60 years and older from a community-based program. The foot assessment included toe deformities and calluses inspection and evaluation of plantar tactile sensitivity using monofilaments. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used to assess lower extremity physical function. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between foot problems and lower extremity physical function.

Results: Hallux valgus was the most prevalent deformity among older adults. Those participants with reduced plantar tactile sensitivity (OR= 2.77; 95% CI: 1.38, 5.55) and a hallux valgus (OR= 2.23; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.52) were more likely to present poor lower extremity physical function.

Conclusion: Hallux valgus and impaired plantar sensitivity were associated with reduced lower extremity physical function in older adults. Further studies are necessary to identify this causality and to what extent management of these foot problems can improve general mobility and quality of life of older adults.