EFFECT OF FOOT PROBLEMS ON FOOT FUNCTION IN ELDERLY MEN

Introduction: Foot problems have long been recognized as being common in older people, but few studies have adequately addressed the relationship between foot problems and functional disability. This study was conducted to determine how common foot problems of the elderly affect functionality of foot in elderly nursing home residents. Materials and Method: Fifty three elderly men, who were residents of Maide Bolel Nursing Home in Eskisehir, were assessed and scored for presence of foot problems. The overall foot functions were evaluated with Foot Function Index (FFI) and a protocol based on subjective and objective criteria for pain and function of the hindfoot (HFS). The overall muscle strength of involved muscles was determined with manual muscle testing. Dynamic balance was evaluated with timed Up & Go (TUG) test. Furthermore, walking speed, pain severity and energy consumption were determined. Results: According to our results, there was no correlation between foot problem scores and muscle strength, functional assessments, dynamic balance, energy consumption, pain severity and walking speed (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although foot problems observed were less severe, they were relatively common in our sample. Therefore, informative, preventive and therapeutic interventions for foot problems in elderly people require further longitudinal investigations.