Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly
Published on: March 11, 2022
Footwear suitability in Turkish preschool-aged children
Yasin Yurt1, Gul Sener2, Yavuz Yakut2
1Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey fzt.yasinyurt@gmail.com.
Background:
Unsuitable footwear worn in childhood may cause some foot problems by interfering normal development of foot.
Objectives:
To compare footwear suitability rate of indoor and outdoor footwear at all points in preschool children and investigate factors which could affect footwear suitability.
Study Design:
A cross-sectional survey study.
Methods:
A total of 1000 healthy preschool children (4-6 years old) participated in this study. Indoor and outdoor footwear of children were evaluated through Turkish version of Footwear Assessment Score. Effect of factors like age, sex, number of siblings, educational and occupational situation of parents, and behavior of school management about selecting footwear was investigated.
Results:
Children got better footwear score for outdoor than indoor ones (p < 0.001). Boys got statistically better footwear score for both indoor and outdoor ones than girls (p < 0.001). Also significant difference in footwear score was found in favor of children who were going to schools that gave guidance about selecting footwear for both indoor and outdoor in comparison to children going to other schools (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
For healthy foot development, parents need an education about suitable footwear for their children. Performing education programs and investigation of their effect with comprehensive follow-up studies in future is essential.
Clinical Relevance:
This study reflects footwear habits of Turkish preschool children and factors affecting this issue. Results may give way to education programs about suitable footwear worn in childhood for healthy foot development.
