Foot impairments and limitations in walking activities in people affected by leprosy.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationships between perceived limitations in walking-related daily activities, walking ability (capacity), and the amount of daily walking (performance) in persons affected by leprosy and to identify their determinants.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Thirty-nine persons affected by leprosy.


METHODS
Perceived limitations were assessed with the World Health Organization Disability Schedule II, domain "getting around". Walking capacity was assessed as covered distance in 6 min. Walking performance was recorded as mean strides/day with the Stepwatch(TM) 3 Activity Monitor. Potential determinants were sensory function, foot deformities, joint mobility, ankle muscle strength and co-morbidity.


RESULTS
Perceived limitations in walking-related activities were significantly correlated with walking capacity (r = -0.47; p < 0.01) but not with walking performance, although walking capacity significantly correlated with walking performance (r = 0.38; p < 0.05). Various foot impairments independently contributed to reduced walking capacity and, to a lower degree, to perceived limitations in activities and performance.


CONCLUSIONS
People affected by leprosy perceive limitations in walking-related activities that are determined by a reduced walking ability and the severity of foot impairments. Since perceived limitations in walking-related activities were not related to walking performance, perceived limitations are apparently weighted against the individual's needs.
Department of Rehabilitation, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. f.j.slim@amc.uva.nl
Frederik J
FJ
Slim
Renske
R
Keukenkamp
Carine H
CH
van Schie
William R
WR
Faber
Frans
F
Nollet
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020422:Mononeuropathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D057566:Self Report; D058992:Social Participation; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*