Characterising tibialis posterior tendinopathy using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: a cross sectional study

Background: Tibialis posterior tendinopathy (TPT) is characterised by pain around the medial foot/ankle and difficulties weightbearing. Objective: Compare individuals who have TPT with asymptomatic controls across the Interna-tional Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains of body structure and function, activity, participation and personal factors.Methods: Twenty-two individuals meeting the selection criteria for TPT (86% female, mean + SD age:43 + 13 years; body mass index [BMI]:28 + 7 kg/m2) were compared to 27 controls (93% female, age:44 + 16 years, BMI:23 + 5 kg/m2). Standardised differences (and 95% confidence inter-vals [CIs]) between groups were estimated for outcomes under each ICF domain using Cliff's delta to allow for comparison of the magnitude of deficits across outcomes (>0.47 considered large). Results: Impairments in body structure and function in individuals with TPTwere accompanied by activ-ity limitations including difficulties due to foot problems (-1.0 (-1.0,-1.0)) and with independent living (-0.8 (-1.0,-0.3)) and greater time to complete stair descent/ascent (-0.6 (-0.8,-0.3)). Considering partic-ipation, overall foot-related function (-1.0 (-1.0, -1.0)), ability to participate in activities (-0.7 (-0.08,-0.3)), social restrictions (-0.8 (-1.0,-0.4)) and quality of life (-0.7 (-0.9,-0.5)) were poorer in individuals with TPT.Conclusion: Individuals with TPT have large impairments in body structure and function, activity limi-tations and participation restrictions, particularly relating to independent living, mental health and pain. Personal factors appear to contribute to a lesser extent to the TPT presentation. Treatment plans should consider activity and participation limitations in addition to body structure and function.(c) 2023 Associacao Brasileira de Pesquisa e Pos-Graduacao em Fisioterapia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study compared individuals with Tibialis posterior tendinopathy (TPT) to asymptomatic controls across the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains. It found that individuals with TPT had impairments in body structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Treatment plans should consider these limitations in addition to body structure and function.