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

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  < 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 -  = 0.0012) and for Berg Balance Scale (change: Intervention group: 2 ± 3; Control group: 0 ± 3 -  = 0.0110), but not for the Timed-up-and-go Test (change: Intervention group: -1.34 ± 1.99; Control group: -0.84 ± 2.29 -  = 0.0799).

CONCLUSION

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