Multifaceted podiatry package,
does it really help with Reduced fall rate in community-dwelling older adults with disabling foot pain?
research showsThe grade is C. Of three coprimary outcomes, only falling rate succeeded: 103 falls among 153 participants (0.67/person-year) versus 161 among 152 (1.06/person-year), IRR 0.64 (95% CI 0.45-0.91). Fallers were 64/153 (42%) versus 75/152 (49%), RR 0.85 (0.66-1.08), and multiple fallers were 21/153 (14%) versus 33/152 (22%), RR 0.63 (0.38-1.04); both were null.
ads claimThis must not be advertised as an insole-only effect.
Useful facts when choosing a product
- The package had five linked components.
- Exercise adherence was 66%, with 52% completing at least 75% of prescribed sessions.
- Fifty-five percent of orthosis recipients wore them most of the time.
What the research actually shows
Both groups received active routine podiatry. The package added heat-molded full-length dual-density orthoses with 3-mm Poron customization where needed, footwear assessment and advice, referral to medical-grade footwear plus an A$100 voucher, 30-minute foot/ankle strengthening, stretching, and range-of-motion exercise three times weekly for six months with adherence calls at weeks 1, 4, 12, and 20, and a falls booklet. Falls were recorded on monthly calendars; 296/305 returned all 12. ACTRN12608000065392 matched all three published primary outcomes.
Why this is classified as C (54)
Only falling rate succeeded among three coprimary outcomes, with unblinded self-recording and orthoses provided by Foot Science International, giving C with 54 points.
Counterpoint. The population had disabling foot pain, elevated fall risk, and existing podiatry use.
Rejudgment record. Cross-check applied — Only falling rate succeeded among three coprimary outcomes, with unblinded self-recording and product provision
| Endpoint | H | Hard endpoint - actual events such as death |
| Replication | R1 | Single confirmatory trial |
| Independence | I1 | Mixed funding sources |
| Effect size | E+ | Meets the clinically important threshold |
The scoring table and the verdict agree (C).
Sub-claim grades by effect
This ingredient is marketed for several effects. A single overall grade blends strong and weak claims together, so each effect is graded separately here. The overall grade reflects the strongest disconfirming or core claim.
| Effect (sub-claim) | Grade | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced fall-event rate | B | The rate was significantly lower, IRR 0.64. |
| Reduced proportion of fallers | D | The RR 0.85 interval included 1. |
Cross-check — Codex and Claude
Evidence Table
| Study | Design | Sample | Funding | Endpoint | Result | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study 1 | Parallel randomized active-control trial, 12 months | 296 | National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and La Trobe University central large grant scheme; original role statement: “The foot orthoses in this study were provided by Foot Science International Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand.” | Fall rate, proportion of fallers, and multiple fallers | Falling rate: 103 vs 161 falls, 0.67 vs 1.06/person-year, IRR 0.64 (0.45-0.91); fallers: 42% vs 49%, RR 0.85 (0.66-1.08); multiple fallers: 14% vs 22%, RR 0.63 (0.38-1.04) | Pivotal trial with public research funding and separate product provision |
Receipt — 1 References
All 1 cited sources were verified for existence at the original page (as of 2026-08-08).
Reviewed and approved: Chamgap Editorial Team · Approval date: 2026-08-08 · Corrections: none
Cite this verdict
[Chamgap] Multifaceted podiatry package x fewer falls — Evidence Grade C·54. 1 cited sources checked. Source: https://chamgap.com/en/verdicts/joint-bone/multifaceted-podiatry-package-falls/ · CC BY 4.0CC BY 4.0 — free to use with attribution; do not distort grades, numbers, or verdict meaning.
What this document does and does not do
Chamgap is an information source. It reports what research has and has not confirmed; it does not tell readers what to take or buy. That decision belongs to readers and, when needed, medical or legal professionals. This verdict reflects literature available up to the search date and may change as new research appears. Nothing here is medical advice.