Foot Anthropometric Measurements of Hong Kong Elderly: Implications for Footwear Design

Foot Anthropometric Measurements of Hong Kong Elderly: Implications for Footwear Design

Year:    2016

Journal of Fiber Bioengineering and Informatics, Vol. 9 (2016), Iss. 3 : pp. 133–143

Abstract

Degenerative changes and foot deformities are common when people get older. Foot deformities, such as hallux valgus, bunionettes and pes planus, are commonly found among older people, which may lead to changes in foot anthropometry. A decline in functional mobility and greater risk of falling are linked to foot deformities and footwear. This study therefore aims to evaluate the anthropometric measurements between healthy and deformed feet in order to determine the key foot measurements in relation to the deformed foot which can also act as indicators in current footwear sizing systems. By using a 3D hand- held scanner, 11 foot anthropometric measurements are captured and used to characterise the dimensions and foot shape between healthy and deformed feet. A total of 49 elderly people between the ages of 65-95 years old, including 41 women and 8 men (mean: 81.71; SD: 7.08) are recruited for this study. The results indicate that the foot characteristics of elderly people with foot deformities are different from those without deformities, especially in the larger deformity of the degree of hallux valgus and increased width of the ball for women, and higher instep height for men. The length of the foot and ball, width and girth of the ball, and degree of hallux valgus deformity are common predictors for differentiating between healthy and deformed feet. It is also found that the current footwear sizing systems fail to accommodate the foot dimensions of elderly people in both foot length and width, which may therefore lead to foot discomfort and even limit their daily life activities.

You do not have full access to this article.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in as an individual or via your institution

Journal Article Details

Publisher Name:    Global Science Press

Language:    English

DOI:    https://doi.org/10.3993/jfbim00237

Journal of Fiber Bioengineering and Informatics, Vol. 9 (2016), Iss. 3 : pp. 133–143

Published online:    2016-01

AMS Subject Headings:   

Copyright:    COPYRIGHT: © Global Science Press

Pages:    11

Keywords:    Foot problems

  1. Foot deformation analysis with different load-bearing conditions to enhance diabetic footwear designs

    Zhang, Liying

    Yick, Kit-lun

    Li, Pui-ling

    Yip, Joanne

    Ng, Sun-pui

    Jan, Yih-Kuen

    PLOS ONE, Vol. 17 (2022), Iss. 3 P.e0264233

    https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264233 [Citations: 7]