Relationship between foot morphology, muscle strength, and physical performance test in women aged 65 years and older: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Hallux valgus is a foot deformity that may affect gait, thus increasing the risk of falls among older people. We investigated the relationship between foot morphology, muscle strength, and physical performance. Methods In this study, community-dwelling older people aged ≥65 years were included. A three-dimensional footprint automatic measurement apparatus was used to measure the hallux valgus angle, arch height ratio, and heel-floor angle. Furthermore, the toe flexor strength and ankle plantar flexion strength were measured. Physical performance tests included the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, one-leg standing time, maximal step length, functional reach test, and 5-m fastest walking time (walking time). The relationship between the hallux valgus angle and foot morphology and muscle strength was examined. In addition, factors affecting physical performance testing were assessed. Two-group comparisons, correlation, and multiple comparisons were used for statistical analyses. Results Of the 133 women (age 77.7 ± 6.2 years), 57 had hallux valgus and 76 had no hallux valgus. There was a significant difference in the arch height ratio and heel-floor angle between women with and without hallux valgus (p < 0.001). A correlation was found between the hallux valgus angle and the heel-floor angle (r = 0.468, p < 0.001) and arch height ratio (r = − 0.337, p < 0.001), respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that the hallux valgus angle was related to functional reach (β = − 0.162, p = 0.042), and toe flexor strength was related to five-repetition sit-to-stand (β = − 0.182, p = 0.036), maximal step length (β = 0.328, p < 0.001), and walking time (β = − 0.219, p = 0.006). Conclusions A relationship was found between the hallux valgus angle, arch height rate, and inward inclination angle of the calcaneus. Functional reach was predicted based on the hallux valgus angle, whereas the five-repetition sit-to-stand, maximal step length, and walking time were predicted based on toe flexor strength. Hallux valgus predicted not only the forefoot but also the foot morphology and was related to physical performance. From the perspective of motor function and fall prevention, efforts should be made to better understand and prevent the onset and progression of hallux valgus.

Validation of a Newly Diagnosis Model of Dynamical Electromyography Network for Neuromuscular Tracing in Hemiplegic Ankle-Foot Motor Dysfunctions

“…The MG was the most involved muscle in the counter affected side, whereas the FDL was predominant on the counter unaffected side. As for the extensor muscles, their involvement was weaker than that of the flexor and lateral groups, which may be because healthy subjects mainly prevent falling through plantar flexion of the ankle joint when standing on a stable plane [27]. Furthermore, the results indicate that the network indices can determine the difference of characteristics of neuromuscular control between the dominant and nondominant limbs from the perspective of muscle involvement.…”

Characteristics of hindfoot morphology and ankle range of motion in young women with hallux valgus

“…2 B). The line connecting the bottom of the calcaneal tuberosity and enthesis of the Achilles tendon was measured as positive (+) when the line sloped inward from the vertical line from the floor and the sole turned outward (eversion) and negative (−) when the line sloped outward and the sole turned inward (inversion) [ 8 ]. In addition, the arch-height ratio and HFA were examined for differences between the values measured in a chair-sitting position and those measured in a standing position.…”

“…Regarding the morphology of the hallux valgus and midfoot, the foot pressure distribution during walking on the hallux valgus showed that the foot pressure on the lateral side of the midfoot significantly decreased [ 3 ], which is associated with midfoot pronation and decreased modified arch index [ 6 , 7 ]. With regard to the hindfoot of hallux valgus, a correlation has been observed between the hallux valgus angle and inward inclination angle of the calcaneus in older women [ 8 ]. In medial knee osteoarthritis, a relationship between the hallux valgus angle and medial tilt of the calcaneus has been reported [ 9 – 11 ].…”

Influence of increases in toe-flexor strength on sprint and jump performances

“…1A). 1,5,20 The measurement was performed in a seated position with hip, knee and ankle angles being 90 degrees (Fig. 1A).…”

“…Toe-flexor muscles are the generator of metatarsophalangeal (MP) joint plantar flexion moment, and their strength is one of the important factors for healthy locomotor function and better athletic performance. [1][2][3][4] In terms of athletic performance, Yamauchi and Koyama 5 found that, in untrained males, the toe-flexor strength (TFS) was correlated with squat (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) heights, as well as rebound continuous jump (RJ) index. Moreover, studies employed children showed that TFS was correlated with 50-m sprint time and vertical and horizontal jump performances.…”