CONSEQUENCES OF FOOT BINDING AMONG OLDER WOMEN IN BEIJING, CHINA

Objectives. This study examined the prevalence and consequences of foo t binding in older Chinese women. Methods. Women older than 70 years i n Beijing, China, were assessed for bound feet, falls, functional stat us, and bone density. Results. Thirty-eight percent of women aged 80 y ears and older and 18% of women aged 70 through 79 years had bound-foo t deformities. Women with bound feet were more likely to fall, less ab le to squat, and less able to stand up from a chair without assistance than women with normal feet. They also had 14.3% less functional reac h (a test of balance) and 5.1% lower hip bone density. Conclusions. Fo ot binding has caused substantial disability that is still evident in many elderly Chinese women.