Long-term use of custom-made orthopedic shoes: 1.5-year follow-up study

J Rehabil Res Dev. 2010;47(7):643-9. doi: 10.1682/jrrd.2010.03.0040.

Abstract

This study investigated long-term use of custom-made orthopedic shoes (OS) at 1.5 years follow-up. In addition, the association between short-term outcomes and long-term use was studied. Patients from a previously published study who did use their first-ever pair of OS 3 months after delivery received another questionnaire after 1.5 years. Patients with different pathologies were included in the study (n = 269, response = 86%). Mean age was 63 ± 14 years, and 38% were male. After 1.5 years, 87% of the patients still used their OS (78% frequently [4-7 days/week] and 90% occasionally [1-3 days/week]) and 13% of the patients had ceased using their OS. Patients who were using their OS frequently after 1.5 years had significantly higher scores for 8 of 10 short-term usability outcomes (p-values ranged from <0.001 to 0.046). The largest differences between users and nonusers were found for scores on the short-term outcomes of OS fit and communication with the medical specialist and shoe technician (effect size range = 0.16 to 0.46). We conclude that patients with worse short-term usability outcomes for their OS are more likely to use their OS only occasionally or not at all at long-term follow-up.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot Diseases / rehabilitation*
  • Foot Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthotic Devices*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Shoes*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Walking