The effect of computerized custom insole with custom-fit insole on the function of the foot and ankle and quality of life in diabetic elderly

• Main Authors: Jaber Karami, Behshid Farahmand, Maryam Jalali, Masumeh Bagherzadeh Cham
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Iran University of Medical Sciences 2019-02-01
• Series: Function and Disability Journal
• Subjects: diabetic elderly; quality of life; foot and ankle function; insole
• Online Access: http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-102-en.html
• ISSN: 2588-6304; 2588-6304

Background: Diabetes alters the distribution of foot pressure and causes foot ulceration and changes the quality of life and function of the foot and ankle. Insole is one of the treatment options to improve the distribution of foot pressure and prevent foot ulcers. The purpose of the present study is to compare the effect of the computerized custom insole with a custom-fit insole on the function of the foot and ankle and quality of life of diabetic elderly. Methods: 28 Diabetic patients (14 males and 14 females, typeⅠand Ⅱ) were included in the study with the approval of a specialist physician if they met the inclusion criteria. The mean and standard deviation of participantschr('39') demographic variables for age, weight, height, and BMI for test and control groups were 67.64±5.23 years, 66.79± 4.68 years, 76.44±11.48 kg, 77.24±11.95 kg, and 1.67±8 m, 1.67±5 m, 27.55±5.08 kg/m2, 26.52±5.33 kg/m2 respectively. Participants were randomly allocated to the computerized custom insole (test group) and custom-fit insole (control group). Both groups used the insoles for 4-6 weeks. Participants were asked to complete the Persian version of the brief DQOL questionnaire once before using the insoles and once 4-6 weeks after using the insoles. Also, a full version of AOFAS questionnaire was completed by researcher for each patient once before using the insoles and once 4 - 6 weeks after using the insoles. Results: In the pre-intervention phase, there was no significant difference in the quality of life and function of the foot and ankle of the elderlies in the two groups and the quantitative data in both groups had a normal distribution. After 4 to 6 weeks, there was a significant difference in the quality of life and function of the foot and ankle of the elderlies in the two groups in both groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (the computerized custom insole and custom-fit insole) in terms of the quality of life and function of the foot and ankle (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of these two types of insole on the quality of life and function of foot and ankle; it is recommended to use a custom-fit insole that will cost the patient less.