The Association Between Self-Perceptions of Ageing and Foot and Lower-Limb Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Self-perceptions of ageing have an important influence on the physical function in later life, yet little is known about how these perceptions relate to foot and lower limb health. Exploring how self-perceptions of ageing interact with subjective reports of foot health as well as objective measures such as lower limb joint movement, muscle strength and functional mobility may provide important insights to support more person-centred and responsive models of care. This study aimed to determine the association between self-perceptions of ageing and subjective and objective measures of foot and lower limb health in older adults.

This cross-sectional study included 40 community-dwelling adults ≥ 65 years who completed the five subscales of the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ) alongside patient-reported outcomes (100 mm Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] for foot pain, Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index [MFPDI] and Lower Limb Task Questionnaire [LLTQ]). Objective assessments of joint range of motion, foot and ankle muscle strength and functional mobility tasks (timed up and go [TUG] and Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]) were also conducted. B-APQ subscale scores were direction-aligned so that higher scores reflect more negative ageing perceptions. Relationships between B-APQ subscales and foot and lower limb outcomes were modelled using linear regression. All models were adjusted for key clinical and demographic confounders. Omnibus block tests evaluated the joint contribution of the five B-APQ subscales.

The B-APQ dimension block showed no evidence of association with foot pain (VAS, MFPDI). The B-APQ block was associated with plantarflexion and inversion strength, with more adverse beliefs about consequences/low control (consequences-control negative) and lower perceived control (control-positive) associated with weaker strength. Consequences-control negative was also associated with slower TUG, whereas SPPB total and joint motion showed no evidence of association.

Associations between self-perceptions of ageing and lower limb function and mobility appear dimension-specific with beliefs about adverse consequences and perceived control most consistently related to neuromuscular strength and mobility, rather than pain. Interventions combining progressive strengthening with strategies addressing specific ageing-belief dimensions, may support mobility in older adults.