Baropodometric Assessment of the Podiatric Profile of Nursing Students in Clinical Settings

Work-related injuries, particularly musculoskeletal injuries, are usually an important cause of decreased quality of life and absenteeism from work, being very common in the nursing profession and also among students. Among the most common injuries are those related to the lower limbs, particularly feet and ankles, and the foot health of nurses is not satisfactory, with a great shortage of specific studies in this area and in this population. Although several studies identify this problem, few describe in detail the causes of pain or discomfort. On the other hand, the podiatry evaluations are poor, which limits a more detailed knowledge of the phenomenon under study. Some solutions, namely the development of ergonomic footwear are insufficient and few interventions are adequate to improve the foot health of nursing students. The present study aims to understand the influence of prolonged standing and walking positions on nursing students' foot health. Moreover, what's the relationship between the podiatric profile (regional force and pressure exerted on the foot) and related signs and symptoms. The observational study will consist of two moments (before and after clinical setting periods), in which the participants (Nursing students) will complete a four-dimensional foot health self-assessment instrument (skin health, nail health, foot structure, pain). Additionally, the podiatric profile will be assessed through a force platform scan, which will score force and pressure values. Moreover, foot posture and foot function will be evaluated, through the modified arch index (MAI) and pressure excursion index (CPEI), respectively. Relevant variables will include spatio-temporal, kinematic, and kinetic data.