title: The effect of age and body mass index on plantar cutaneous sensation in healthy women.
abstract: [Purpose] This study was conducted to examine the effects of age and body mass index on plantar cutaneous sensation in healthy women. [Subjects and Methods] Two hundred and three healthy female volunteers over the age of 20 were included in the study. The statistical analyses were performed by considering the age and body mass index values of the individuals. The individuals were divided according to their ages and body mass index values. Foot pain was measured with a visual analogue scale and plantar cutaneous sensation using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. [Results] Fifty-six (27.5%) of the participants had normal weights, 67 (33%) were overweight, and 80 (39%) were obese. Statistical analysis revealed that as age and body mass index values increased, plantar sensitivity decreased and the frequency and severity of pain increased. [Conclusion] It is possible that healthy women may experience a decrease in foot plantar sensation with increasing weight and age. If women do not have any health problems, proprioception and sensory training must be focused on in order to prevent balance and falling problems.
authors: School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Abant İzzet Baysal University, Turkey.
authors: Eylem Tütün
authors: ET
authors: Yümin
authors: School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Turkey.
authors: Tülay Tarsuslu
authors: TT
authors: Şimşek
authors: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Kırıkkale University, Turkey.
authors: Meral
authors: M
authors: Sertel
authors: Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Düzce University, Turkey.
authors: Handan
authors: H
authors: Ankaralı
keywords: Ageing; Body mass index; Cutaneous sensation