The effect of age on the foot model : A cross-sectional observational study

Philips, R. (Rik) (2012) The effect of age on the foot model : A cross-sectional observational study. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.

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Abstract

Background: Clinical practice gives the impression that the foot model and its function changes with increasing age. Standard footwear can become ill-fitting which may result in foot complaints and consequent limitations in walking and/or balance. Objectives: The first objective of this study was to determine cross-sectionally the effect of age on the foot model in a convenience sample of the aging Dutch population. The second objective was to compare geometry measures of the foot to the ranges of these measures in the Last Advice System (LAS). The third objective was to determine the effect of age on the plantar tactile sensitivity as an element of foot function. Method: An age-stratified convenience sample of 64 subjects in four age-groups (40-45, 50-55, 60-65 and 70-75 y) was recruited in the North-East of the Netherlands. For the first objective a digital 3D foot model was obtained under standardized conditions with an OMEGA tracer (The Ohio Willow Wood company, Inc.). For the second objective measures of the digital foot model were compared to the ranges of these measures in the LAS. The plantar tactile sensitivity was measured for the third objective with a biothesiometer (Somedic vibrameter). Results and conclusion: The results demonstrated that with increasing age subjects had a lower foot model at instep and ball level and women show more age-related changes in the foot model than men. The results also showed that 37,5% did not fit in orthopedic footwear type B when following the LAS criteria. Finally, the results demonstrated that for each subsequent age group the decrease of proprioceptive sense was greater. For future research a multi-factorial analysis including foot measures, current and past footwear, plantar tactile sensitivity, the reporting of foot problems, fitting in conventional footwear, hallux deformity with severity or angle, and the presence of any bunion is recommended.

Item Type:	Thesis (Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Supervisors: and Postema, Prof. Klaas MD PhD and Woude, Lucas H.V. van der Prof. PhD and Human Movement Sciences
Faculty:	Medical Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2020 10:39
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 10:39
URI:	https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/86

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