The effects of chiropody on the gait speed of a frail elderly population

Abstract

There is a high incidence of foot deformities in the elderly population accompanied by difficulties in self-care. Chiropody is widely recommended but there have been no studies looking at its effects on mobility in the elderly. This study examined 55 elderly patients attending the Glasgow Eastern District Geriatric Services. Gait speed was measured before and after chiropody to see if there was any beneficial effect on mobility. There was no significant difference in gait speed before and after chiropody (medians 0.21 m/s versus 0.34m/s; 95% confidence interval for the difference between the medians, -0.17-0.08m/s). The subjective impression of the patients is that 60% thought that their foot condition had affected mobility and that their walking had been improved by chiropody. Although there has been no objective change in gait speed, this does not preclude other changes in mobility level which may be identified in further studies.