With the aim of improving the foot health of infants and school-age children, Kinjo University in Japan has established the Foot Health Education Project in 2014, under which university faculty members, students, and industrial organizations have conducted joint activities. The results of surveys on approximately 3000 children to date have shown high prevalence rates of bunionette, undeveloped foot arch, floating toes, and a paucity of wearers of right-size shoes. Under such circumstances, a follow-up survey has been conducted to examine whether changes in foot morphology can be reversed by wearing right-size shoes. The results have suggested that wearing right-size shoes facilitated the development of foot arch and improved floating toes. We plan to continue surveys and share the trends obtained from survey results and possible measures with community residents. In addition, we plan to establish scientific evidence that is useful for education and that contributes to the healthy development of children’s feet.
Part of the book: Contributions to the Local Community Through the University