Simulated weight reduction using an anti-gravity treadmill – A pilot study of the impact of weight loss on foot and ankle arthritis. Issue 7 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morley, William J.; Dawe, Edward; Boyd, Robert; Creasy, James; Grice, John; Marsland, Daniel; Taylor, Heath
• Is Part Of: Foot and ankle surgery. Volume 27:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 809
• Page End: 812
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Ankle -- Anti-gravity -- BMI -- Foot -- Obesity -- Osteoarthritis -- Pain -- Simulated -- VAS -- Weight; Foot -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- surgery -- Periodicals; Foot -- surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- Surgery; Foot -- Surgery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.58
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2020.10.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1268-7731

Abstract

Highlights: First paper to describe quantifiable benefit of weight loss in foot and ankle arthritis sufferers. Treadmill with "anti-gravity" capabilities allowing simulated weight loss while walking. Significant reduction in pain from baseline when normal body mass index simulated. Significant improvement in pain from simulated BMI 30 (obese) to BMI 25 (normal). Abstract: Background: Despite a paucity of evidence, obesity is frequently cited as an exacerbator of symptoms in foot and ankle arthritis. The aims of the current study were to determine whether simulated weight loss would improve symptoms in obese patients with foot and ankle arthritis. Methods: Patients walked on an "anti-gravity" treadmill allowing simulated weight reduction. Pain was recorded at baseline weight and then compared with pain at simulated normal BMI. Results: Simulated reduction to BMI 25 caused a significant reduction in pain. Mean pain scores improved from baseline to BMI 25 by 32% (15.9 points, p = 0.04). Paired analysis showed a significant improvement in pain scores ( p = 0.016) from BMI of 30 to 25. Conclusion: Simulated weight loss from high to normal BMI improved arthritic symptoms. This could be used to power future studies to further investigate the effects of weight loss in foot and ankle patients. Level of evidence Level II – repeated measures cohort study.