Jesse Moes1. 1. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Foot and lower limb pain reported by many adults experiencing homelessness may be due to improper shoes and may contribute to decreased activity and physical functioning. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of proper fitting shoes on pain, activity, and foot health in adults experiencing homelessness. DESIGN: A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental pilot study design was used. SAMPLE: Twenty-three out of 30 enrolled participants completed the study and were mostly female, non-Hispanic, black individuals with high school education or higher. MEASUREMENTS: Eligible participants completed surveys related to pain, foot health, and foot conditions, and a 10-meter walking test prior to (BASELINE) and after (FINAL) the intervention. INTERVENTION: Participants wore properly fitted shoes for 6 weeks and were encouraged to maintain activity levels consistent with activity levels prior to receiving new shoes. RESULTS: Pain scores were lower at FINAL versus BASELINE. Participants reported reductions in knee, back and ankle/feet pain. Participants had significant improvements on almost all areas of foot health and had faster gait speed at FINAL versus BASELINE. Minimal changes in foot conditions were observed. CONCLUSION: Proper fitting shoes improve pain, walking speed, and foot health in adults experiencing homelessness with moderate to severe pain.
INTRODUCTION: Foot and lower limb pain reported by many adults experiencing homelessness may be due to improper shoes and may contribute to decreased activity and physical functioning. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of proper fitting shoes on pain, activity, and foot health in adults experiencing homelessness. DESIGN: A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental pilot study design was used. SAMPLE: Twenty-three out of 30 enrolled participants completed the study and were mostly female, non-Hispanic, black individuals with high school education or higher. MEASUREMENTS: Eligible participants completed surveys related to pain, foot health, and foot conditions, and a 10-meter walking test prior to (BASELINE) and after (FINAL) the intervention. INTERVENTION: Participants wore properly fitted shoes for 6 weeks and were encouraged to maintain activity levels consistent with activity levels prior to receiving new shoes. RESULTS:Pain scores were lower at FINAL versus BASELINE. Participants reported reductions in knee, back and ankle/feet pain. Participants had significant improvements on almost all areas of foot health and had faster gait speed at FINAL versus BASELINE. Minimal changes in foot conditions were observed. CONCLUSION: Proper fitting shoes improve pain, walking speed, and foot health in adults experiencing homelessness with moderate to severe pain.