Differences in foot dimensions between children and adolescents with and without Down syndrome. Issue 15 (17th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hassan, Nirmeen M.; Buldt, Andrew K.; Shields, Nora; Landorf, Karl B.; Menz, Hylton B.; Munteanu, Shannon E.
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 44:Issue 15(2022)
• Page Start: 3959
• Page End: 3966
• Publication Date: 2022-07-17
• Subjects: Foot anthropometry -- shoes -- Down syndrome -- child -- adolescent -- foot deformities -- 3-D image; People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1895897
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8288

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: This study compared the differences in foot dimensions between children with and without Down syndrome using three-dimensional (3D) foot scans. Methods: 51 children with and 51 children without Down syndrome had a 3D scan taken of their right foot to compare the absolute and normalised (for height or foot length) measurements. Results: Normalised foot length was shorter in children with Down syndrome (MD −11.62 mm, 95% CI −15.06 to −8.18, p < 0.001). When normalised for foot length, ball of foot length (MD 2.87 mm, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.58, p = 0.001), diagonal and horizontal foot width (MD 3.65 mm, 95% CI 1.65 to 5.66, p < 0.001; MD 4.80 mm, 95% CI 2.88 to 6.72, p < 0.001, respectively), ball and instep girth (MD 10.60 mm, 95% CI 5.96 to 15.25, p < 0.001; MD 7.92 mm, 95% CI 3.02 to 12.82, p = 0.002, respectively) and fifth toe height (MD 3.14 mm, 95% CI 2.22 to 4.07, p < 0.001) were greater in children with Down syndrome. Conclusions: Children with Down syndrome have shorter, wider feet with greater girth and fifthtoe height measurements relative to children without Down syndrome. These findings have implications for footwear fit and the manufacturing of population-specific footwear. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Footwear-fitting issues arise as a result of the unique foot shape of children with Down syndrome. There are substantial variations in the foot shape of children with and without Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome require wider, deeper footwear at a given length to accommodate their foot dimensions. These findings have implications for the manufacturing of population-specific footwear.