Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Volume 58, Issue 10 p. 1936-1940

Foot Pain, Plantar Pressures, and Falls in Older People: A Prospective Study

Karen J. Mickle BSc (Hons),

Karen J. Mickle BSc (Hons)

From the Biomechanics Research Laboratory, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

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Bridget J. Munro PhD,

Bridget J. Munro PhD

From the Biomechanics Research Laboratory, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

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Stephen R. Lord PhD,

Stephen R. Lord PhD

Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia

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Hylton B. Menz PhD,

Hylton B. Menz PhD

Musculoskeletal Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.

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Julie R. Steele PhD,

Julie R. Steele PhD

From the Biomechanics Research Laboratory, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

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Karen J. Mickle BSc (Hons),

Karen J. Mickle BSc (Hons)

From the Biomechanics Research Laboratory, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

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Bridget J. Munro PhD,

Bridget J. Munro PhD

From the Biomechanics Research Laboratory, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

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Stephen R. Lord PhD,

Stephen R. Lord PhD

Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia

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Hylton B. Menz PhD,

Hylton B. Menz PhD

Musculoskeletal Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.

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Julie R. Steele PhD,

Julie R. Steele PhD

From the Biomechanics Research Laboratory, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

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First published: 09 September 2010

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.03061.x

Citations: 124

Address correspondence to Ms. Karen J. Mickle, School of Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether foot pain and plantar pressure are associated with falls in community-dwelling older adults.

DESIGN: Community-based cohort study with 12-month prospective falls follow-up.

SETTING: Sydney and Illawarra statistical regions of New South Wales, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: Randomly recruited, community-dwelling adults (158 men and 154 women) aged 60 and older.

MEASUREMENTS: Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index to establish baseline foot pain and dynamic plantar pressures. Participants were then classified as fallers (n=107) or nonfallers (n=196) based on their falls incidence over the following 12 months.

RESULTS: Fallers had a significantly higher prevalence of foot pain than nonfallers (57.9% vs 42.1%; chi-square=4.0; P=.04). Fallers also generated a significantly higher peak pressure and pressure-time integral under the foot than non-fallers. In addition, individuals with foot pain had a significantly higher peak pressure and pressure-time integral under the foot than those without foot pain.

CONCLUSION: High plantar pressures generated during gait may contribute to foot pain and risk of falls. Providing interventions to older people with foot pain and high plantar pressures may play a role in reducing their falls risk.

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Volume58, Issue10

October 2010

Pages 1936-1940

Foot Pain, Plantar Pressures, and Falls in Older People: A Prospective Study

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