Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: February | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 193-200
Quality of Life in Adult Population with Flat Feet
Twinkle Dabholkar1, Anushka Agarwal2
1Professor, School of Physiotherapy, D.Y.Patil University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra,
2Bachelor of Physiotherapy, School of Physiotherapy, D.Y.Patil University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Corresponding Author: Twinkle Dabholkar
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Flat foot is a common, yet neglected postural deformity. It is necessary to assess implications of flat feet on quality of life in the physically active age group of 20- 40 years.
Aim: To determine the impact of flat foot on foot-related health and Quality of Life (QOL), among a population of 20-40 year-old individuals with bilateral flexible flat feet.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study in a population sample of 100 individuals (43 males and 57 females), having bilateral flexible flat feet was performed. Subjects with an FPI score of +6 to +12 and a Navicular Drop Test result of 10mm or more were included. Participants completed the Revised Foot Function Questionnaire (FFI-R) to quantify foot-related health and quality of life across 4 domains (pain and stiffness, difficulty, activity limitation, social issues). Statistical analysis dispersion was then performed.
Results: This study reveals that mean total disability percentage (+/-SD) of 100 individuals suffering from bilateral flexible flat feet and having mean (+/-SD) FPI score of 7.78 (+/-1.2) (right foot) and 7.79 (+/-1.2) (left foot), as measured by FFI-R scores, was 34% (+/-8.2). The total disability percentage ranged from 21-65%. The pain and stiffness, activity limitation and social domains were most affected with mean score percentages being 34%, 37% and 37% respectively.
Conclusion: The present study shows that quality of life as measured on the FFI-R is affected in individuals with flat feet in the age group 20-40 years. The most reported affected domains were pain, activity limitation and social domain. Participants with flat feet complained of foot pain, difficulty walking on uneven ground, walking fast, running, maintaining balance, concern at the appearance of their feet and difficulty in finding suitable footwear. Hence, these factors demand appropriate intervention.
Key words: flat feet, quality of life