Functional profiles of the feet and its relation to the balance in elderly people | [Yaşlilarda fonksiyonel ayak profili ve denge ile ilişkisi]

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate functional profiles of the feet and its relation to the balance in asymptomatic elderly people.

Materials and Method: We assessed 114 asymptomatic elderly subjects (34 men and 80 women) with a mean age of 67.2 +/- 3.4 years (range 65-80 years) using computerized baropodometric and analysis in standing and walking conditions. Load on the forefoot, rearfoot and total foot, support surface of the foot, foot angle, mean and maximum pressures exerted on the ground, cadence, gait velocity and step width parameters were assessed with baropodometric analysis. To evaluate balance, stabilometric analysis was performed and center of pressure excursions were measured.

Results: The baropodometric analysis revealed a significantly greater support surface and total load in the static condition and larger foot angle in the dynamic condition for the right foot than for the left one among women. However, there was no asymmetry between the right and left feet among men. Gait velocity was higher in men than in women; when standing, the foot angle and total load of the left foot was greater in men than in women. Center of pressure excursions were significantly greater in women compared to the men in anterior-posterior and in medio-lateral direction.

Conclusion: The results suggest that compared with elderly men, elderly women are more likely to develop functional left-right foot asymmetries in static and balance disturbances in dynamic conditions. These conditions should be considered as possible causes for increased risk of fall in elderly women.