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We evaluated the relationship between altered foot function and knee osteoarthritis through a specific comparison of toe grip strength in older women with and without knee osteoarthritis. Participants were 120 women with knee osteoarthritis (OA group) and 108 healthy community-dwelling women with no history of knee pain and lower limb surgery (control group). The following factors and outcome variables were included in our analysis: measured toe grip strength, isometric knee extension strength, the timed Up-and-Go, and the WOMAC scale. Between-group differences were compared using unpaired t-tests for descriptive characteristics and outcome measures. Pearson's correlation coefficients between toe grip strength and age, body mass index, and other outcome measures were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independence of toe grip strength and knee osteoarthritis. Compared to the control group, participants in the OA group were older, heavier, and had a higher body mass index. Toe grip strength and isometric knee extension strength were lower and the timed Up-and-Go longer for the OA group than the control group. Toe grip strength was correlated with age negatively and isometric knee extension strength positively in the OA group and to age and the timed Up-and-Go negatively, and isometric knee extension strength positively in the control group. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that body mass index, isometric knee extensor strength, and toe grip strength were independently associated with knee osteoarthritis. Our findings indicate a probable association between altered forefoot function and the incidence or progression of knee osteoarthritis. Increasing toe grip strength might provide a practical intervention for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Evaluating toe flexor strength may be an important method for predicting and preventing walking dysfunction and falls, particularly among older adults. In this study, toe grip strength (TGS), the functional reach (FR, a measure of dynamic balance) test, the timed up and go (TUG) test (a measure of functional ability), isometric knee extension strength (IKES), sex, age, weight, and height were analyzed among 665 healthy Japanese older adults. Statistical analyses were used to assess the relationships between TGS and FR or TUG and to investigate whether TGS was independently associated with FR or TUG. Our results indicate that, among both men and women, TGS was associated with TUG, independent of age, height, weight, and IKES, but TGS was not associated with FR. These results may facilitate the development of strategies for improving functional mobility through physical therapy.

Foot disorders in older individuals compromise balance and contribute to postural and gait instabilities, causing a decrease in the activities of daily living and quality of life. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the foot-related data of 160 frail older participants who attended day service centers in A prefecture in Japan to determine the prevalence of foot problems and their associations with toe grip strength and walking speed in frail older people. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify foot-related variables that correlated with toe grip strength and walking speed. The prevalence rates of skin dryness (Support level 88.2%, Care level 85.2% for men; Support level 84.9%, Care level 93% for women) and suspected and existing fungal infections in nails (Support level 94.1%, Care level 92.6% for men; Support level 98.1%, Care level 95.2% for women) were high in both sexes regardless of the level of care required. Furthermore, in both sexes, the prevalence rates of toe and arch deformities were significantly increased in the people who required care. Regression analysis revealed that some right-sided foot-related problems were significantly associated with right toe grip strength and walking speed. The decrease in toe grip strength was significantly associated with walking speed. Our study provides evidence that some specific conditions were associated with toe grip force and walking speed. This finding can contribute to future strategies to protect foot health in community-dwelling older individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between muscle strength asymmetry and body sway while walking. We studied 63 older adult women. Strong side and weak side of knee extension strength, toe grip strength, hand grip strength, and body sway while walking were measured. The relationship between muscle strength asymmetry for each muscle and body sway while walking was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Regarding the muscles recognized to have significant correlation with body sway, the asymmetry cutoff value causing an increased sway was calculated. Toe grip strength asymmetry was significantly correlated with body sway. Toe grip strength asymmetry causing an increased body sway had a cutoff value of 23.5%. Our findings suggest toe grip strength asymmetry may be a target for improving gait stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The associations between toe grip strength (TGS) and foot structure are not well known, although foot structure is inferred to affect TGS. This study investigated the associations between TGS and hallux valgus angle (HVA), toe curl ability, and foot arch height (FAH). Methods: This study analysed 227, 20 to 79-year-old, community-dwelling participants. TGS, HVA formed by the first metatarsal bone and the proximal phalanx of the hallux, toe curl ability (percentage) calculated as (foot length-flexed foot length)/foot length, and FAH (percentage) calculated as navicular height/truncated foot length were measured. To elucidate associations between TGS and foot structure, a correlation analysis and stepwise multivariate linear regression analyses were performed, based on the participant's sex. Pearson's correlation coefficients for TGS with age, height, weight, HVA, toe curl ability, and FAH were also calculated. In the stepwise, multivariate linear regression analyses, the independent variable was TGS and the dependent variables were those that significantly correlated with TGS, as shown by the Pearson's correlation coefficients. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: According to the Pearson's correlation coefficients, in men, TGS was significantly correlated with age, height, toe curl ability, and FAH. According to the stepwise multiple regression analysis, TGS correlated with age and toe curl ability (adjusted R²=0.22). In women, TGS was significantly correlated with age, height, and toe curl ability (adjusted R²=0.40). Conclusions: TGS was associated with toe curl ability in both men and women. However, TGS was not associated with HVA and FAH in men or women. The results of this study may lead to the development of effective interventions to improve TGS. However, factors other than structure of the foot require more detailed investigation to clarify the factors contributing to TGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]