Criterion-Related Validity of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire Regarding Strength and Plantar Pressure Measurements in Elderly People

BACKGROUND: Criterion-related validity of a self-administered questionnaire listed as gold standard requires objective testing. The aim of this study was to analyze the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) using functional variable measures (dynamic plantar pressure and foot strength). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 elderly healthy participants (13 women and 9 men) were screened by interview and physical examination for foot or gait abnormalities. Foot strength, footprint pressure, and foot health status were measured. RESULTS: All the items of the FHSQ show significant correlation with functional variables, but general foot health shows the highest correlation with the 4 physical variables related to plantar pressure (R2 = 0.741), followed by foot pain (R2 = 0.652). CONCLUSION: A set of different, directly measured physical variables related to foot strength and plantar pressure significantly correlate with the FHSQ dimensions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cross-sectional trial.