The effect of foot orthoses on balance,foot function,and mobility in rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objectives:

To compare balance, foot function and mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with and without foot orthoses.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Outpatient rheumatology clinic.

Subjects:

A total of 94 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis were randomized; of these, 81 were included in the analyses (Intervention group: 40; Control group: 41).

Intervention:

The Intervention Group received custom-made foot orthoses while the Control Group received none intervention.

Main measure:

The “Foot Function Index,” the “Berg Balance Scale,” and the “Timed-up-and-go Test” were assessed at baseline an after four weeks. The chosen level of significance was P < 0.05.

Results:

Average (standard deviation) participant age was 56.7 (±10.6) years old and average disease duration (standard deviation) was 11.4 (± 7.2) years. Groups were similar at baseline, except for comorbidity index and race. After four weeks, significant interaction group versus time was observed for Foot Function Index (change: Intervention group: −1.23 ± 1.58; Control group: −0.12 ± 1.16 – P = 0.0012) and for Berg Balance Scale (change: Intervention group: 2 ± 3; Control group: 0 ± 3 – P = 0.0110), but not for the Timed-up-and-go Test (change: Intervention group: −1.34 ± 1.99; Control group: −0.84 ± 2.29 – P = 0.0799).

Conclusion:

Foot orthoses improved foot function and balance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.