Effect of Foot Mal-alignment on Quality of Life in Children with Down Syndrome; A retrospective cross-sectional Study.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Pediatric Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University

2 Professor, Pediatric physical therapy department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University.

3 Physical Therapist, Ebiar Central Hospital, El-Gharbia. Egypt.

4 Lecturer of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Proper foot alignment is usually needed for normal walking pattern, and certain foot malalignment may considerably affect regular daily activities induced by the associated proximal lower limb abnormalities. Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the effect of foot malalignment on quality of life in children with Down syndrome. Subjects and methods: Forty children with Down syndrome from both genders with ages ranged from eight to twelve years old participated in this study. Foot angles (talo-calcaneal angle, calcaneal pitch angle, Bohler's angle, the fifth metatarsal base angle and talo-metatarsal angle) were being assessed by standing-X-ray and compared with normal references. Whereas, quality of life of children with Down syndrome was being evaluated by the Oxford ankle foot questionnaire Arabic version. Results: There was a significant increase in all measured angels except for both calcaneal pitch angles compared with normal references, there was a significant decrease of the Oxford ankle foot questionnaire Arabic version three domains scores, and there was moderate positive correlation between right Talo-calcaneal angles, left Calcaneal pitch and physical score. there was moderate positive correlation between right 5th metatarsal bases angle and school & play score, while there was weak positive correlation between right Bohler’s angle and physical score, left Talo-metatarsal angle and emotional score. Conclusion: Children with Down syndrome have a significant foot malalignments that directly affect their quality of life especially physical, school and play activities.

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