Relationships of Foot Flexibility and Shape with Toe-Grip Strength in Frail Elderly Persons

[Purpose] We examined relationships between toe-grip strength and foot flexibility and shape in frail elderly women. [Subjects] One hundred four legs of 52 frail elderly women were the subjects. [Method] Toe-grip strength, foot flexibility, the arch ratio and foot length were measured and relationships with toe-grip strength were analyzed with Pearson's correlation coefficient. [Results] A significant correlation was found between foot flexibility and toe-grip strength, whereas no significant relationships were found for the arch ratio or the foot length. [Conclusion] For frail elderly women, higher foot flexibility suggests stronger toe-grip strength.