Feet deformities are correlated with impaired balance and postural stability in seniors over 75.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the factors and mechanisms that determine balance in seniors appears vital in terms of their self-reliance and overall safety. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the features of feet structure and the indicators of postural stability in the elderly.

METHODS: The study group comprised 80 seniors (41F, 39M; aged 75-85 years). CQ-ST podoscope and the CQ-Stab 2P two-platform posturograph were used as primary research tools. The data were analyzed based on Spearman's rank correlation and forward stepwise regression.

RESULTS: Analysis of forward stepwise regression identified the left foot length in females and Clarke's angle of the left foot in men as significant and independent predictors of postural up to 30% of the variance of dependent variables.

CONCLUSIONS: Longer feet provide older women with better stability, whereas in men, the lowering of the longitudinal arch results in postural deterioration. In the elderly, the left lower limb shows greater activity in the stabilizing processes in the standing position than the right one. In gerontological rehabilitation special attention should be paid to the individually tailored, gender-specific treatment, with a view to enhancing overall safety and quality of seniors' lives.