Development of a Low-floor Pedoscope and Its Use for Adult Individuals: Age- and Gender-based Comparisons of the Prevalence of Pseudo-floating Toe

Abstract

[Purpose] To compare the prevalence of pseudo-floating toe (PFT) according to age and gender using a low-floor pedoscope developed for adults. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 336 (141 males and 195 females) individuals aged 30 to 79 were studied. A low-floor pedoscope with a height of 90 mm was developed. The images of the foot plantar surface obtained with this instrument were binarized. Based on the data, PFT was classified by 2 raters with different levels of experience of classifying the condition, and the inter-rater reliability of the classification was examined. The subjects with one or more toes failing to contact the floor when standing were regarded as individuals with PFT, and their age- and gender-based ratios were compared. [Results] The inter-rater reliability of the PFT classification was sufficient. There were no age- or gender-related differences in the ratios of individuals with PFT. [Conclusion] The prevalence of PFT was similar among the different age groups and between males and females.