Walking capacity of children with clubfeet in primary school: something to worry about?

Although the main aim of clubfoot correction is to create a foot without limitations in daily activities and sport, studies on the walking capacity of children with corrected clubfeet are rare. In this cross-sectional study, the outcome of the six-minute walking test in 44 children with clubfeet (16 unilateral and 28 bilateral, mean age 8.57±2.45 years) was compared with the reference values of Geiger, clinical status measured with the Clubfoot Assessment Protocol (CAP), and regression analysis used to calculate which CAP subgroup predicts walking capacity. The mean walking capacity was decreased to 79% (P<0.001) and was not influenced by unilaterality or bilaterality (P=0.437). The subgroup CAP morphology was a significant predictor (R=0.103; P=0.034). Knowing that walking capacity is only slightly decreased can help adjust expectations and set goals for training.