Improvements in lower-limb muscle strength and foot pressure distribution with foot care in frail elderly adults: a randomized controlled trial from Japan.

<bold>Background: </bold>Abnormalities in the feet and toenails are common among the elderly and may increase the risk of falls. This study aimed to investigate the changes in toe-gap force, knee-gap force, foot pressure distribution, the ability to perform activities of daily living, subjects' feelings and behaviors, and physical function resulting from daily lifestyle modification and foot care.<bold>Methods: </bold>The study participants included 74 elderly adults (mean age 80.3 ± 7.5 years) with foot problems who had been divided into three groups based on Japan's nursing care insurance system levels: certified ineligible for support, eligible for support, or eligible for long-term care. Additionally, a control group of 106 elderly adults in good health was recruited. The differences between the intervention and control groups was examined using the Student's t-test, and differences between the three intervention subgroups and the control group were examined using one-way analysis of variance.<bold>Results: </bold>After intervention, abnormalities in the participants' feet and toenails improved. Significant increases in lower-limb muscle strength were observed, and foot pressure distribution had improved. The foot-care intervention significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength and decreased the risk of falling, even in elderly adults whose physical function had deteriorated.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>In frail elderly adults, care of the feet and toenails can improve lower-limb muscle strength and foot pressure distribution. In addition, the individuals' social participation increased, and their behavior improved.<bold>Trial Registration: </bold>University hospital Medical Information Network- Clinical Trials (UMIN-CTR) with the number: UMIN000034742 . Registration date: 11/01/2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]