Falls rate increase and foot dorsal flexion limitations are exhibited in patients who suffer from asthma: A novel case-control study

Abstract

Purpose: Based on the possible association between reduced foot dorsiflexion and high risk of falls, the main objective was to determine the ankle and 1º metatarsophalangeal joint (1 st MTTP) dorsiflexion range of motion and falls rate in patients with asthma compared to healthy matched-paired controls. Methods: A case-control study was carried out. Eighty participants were recruited and divided into patients with asthma (case group; n=40) and matched-paired healthy participants (control group; n=40). Foot dorsal flexion range of motion (assessed by the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test [WBLT]) and falls rate (evaluated as falls number during the prior year) were considered as the primary outcomes. Indeed, ankle dorsiflexion was measured by a mobile app (º) and a tape measure (cm) as well as 1 st MTTP dorsiflexion was determined by and universal goniometer (º). Results: Statistically significant differences ( P <.05) showed that patients with asthma presented a greater falls rate than healthy participants and reduced bilateral ankle and 1 st MTTP dorsiflexion ranges of motion than healthy participants, except for the left ankle dorsiflexion measured as degrees ( P >.05). Conclusions: These study findings showed that a falls rate increase and bilateral foot dorsal flexion limitations of the ankle and 1 st MTTP joints are exhibited in patients who suffer from asthma.

The effect of pain severity on balance, postural stability and fall risk in patients with shoulder pathologies

“…In studies conducted on diseases that cause widespread chronic pain such as low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia, it has been observed that as the severity of pain increases, the balance ability deteriorates, postural stability oscillations increase, and risk of falling and fear of falling increase [ 9 , 11 – 13 , 28 , 29 ]. Patients with respiratory problems [ 20 , 21 ] and patients with foot problems [ 30 ] have also been shown to have increased fall risk. However, the number of studies looking at this relationship was limited in shoulder pain.…”

“…Literature studies have shown results such as age being associated with the risk of falls, pain in the musculoskeletal system and falls and also a relationship between pain and balance is shown [ 9 , 13 – 15 , 19 ]. Falls are a great concern for most patient groups, including even patients with respiratory problems, who also experience pain and musculoskeletal disorders which results in increased fall risk [ 20 , 21 ]. However, there is little published research investigating the relationship between different levels of shoulder pain, balance ability, falling risk and fear of falling, involving all age groups diagnosed with musculoskeletal shoulder problem.…”

Assessment of Selected Spatio-Temporal Gait Parameters on Subjects with Pronated Foot Posture on the Basis of Measurements Using OptoGait. A Case-Control Study

“…It is argued that the use of custom foot orthoses reduces instability improves performance and gait quality [10]. Identifying early which alterations of the foot can change their kinematics is important so that it can be compensated as soon as possible and, consequently, prevent injury and risk of falling in the future [11].…”

“…The foot posture index is a validate tool to assessment a normal foot posture normal supinated or pronated. On the other hand, there is no consolidated evidence between the relationship between the position of the pronated foot and its impact on the spatiotemporal gait parameters and, consequently, a lack of coordination and risk of falling [11].…”

“…Pronated foot posture is common in adulthood, with a prevalence of around 21%. An excessive foot pronation presents an eversion in rearfoot, a dorsiflexion and an abduction of the forefoot in a static position [11][12][13][14]. This research is justified due to the important role that pronation plays as an underlying factor of fatigue, and, therefore, as a modulating factor in the prevention of spatiotemporal alterations of the gait cycle.…”