Foot Anatomical Structural Variations Increase the Risk of Falls in Older Adults

Abstract

Falls are common among older adults. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between foot anatomical structural variations and balance in older adults and quantify foot posture and stabilometry as predictors of fall risk. This case-control study of older adults classified cases or controls according to falls in the last five years. All subjects were healthy women and men > 65 years old (n = 164), who were divided into two groups: 83 individuals who had suffered from a fall in the previous five years (case group) and 81 individuals who had not suffered from a fall (control group). Hallux abductus valgus (HAV) and tailor’s bunion are stability-determining factors. Women have a higher probability of falling. HAV (p = 0.042) and tailor’s bunion (p = 0.069) also increased the fall probability. Morphological foot variations (HAV and tailor’s bunion) linked to gender and age increase fall risk among older adults. In women fallers with HAV, there was a higher possibility of falling (63.9%). According to age, in older adults with HAV, the percentage of falls is high (62%). Fallers with tailor’s bunion (60.7%) are more numerous than fallers without this pathology. Older adults with HAV and tailor´s bunion had twice the probability of suffering a fall than older people without foot anatomical structural. Foot morphology is decisive in falling risk.

Using a spherical inverted pendulum and statokinesigram for modeling and evaluating quiet standing posture

“…While direct evidence linking the foot arch index to sagittal and frontal balance is limited, some studies have explored the relationship between foot arch characteristics and balance control. For instance, 35 demonstrated that the anatomical structure of the foot is essential in assessing balance conditions, particularly in the elderly population. It was observed that elderly individuals exhibit lower hallux mobility and increased forefoot width compared to younger individuals, where the foot tends to be flatter and more pronated.…”