Secondary outcome measures
gait initiation
SECONDARY
The following secondary outcome measures were recorded:Stride length: recorded on the walkway as the distance between the heel markers using CODA analysis.Forefoot PPP: pressure was measured barefoot using a two-step gait initiation protocol [Forefoot-to-rearfoot pressure ratio (F/R ratio): using FootMat software the forefoot (F) and (R) rearfoot regions were masked. The forefoot-to-rearfoot pressure ratio value was derived from the foot with the highest pressure using the formula: F/R. Increases in the F/R ratio are thought to play a prominent role in DFU [Postural Sway: unperturbed balance was assessed during a 30-s quiet standing period using a portable force plate (Kistler). The centre of pressure (antero-posterior and medio-lateral) velocity was calculated as participants stood with arms by their side and barefoot, and their feet parallel and 4 cm apart with eyes open and closed. The order of testing was randomised by the assessor. Three readings per condition were taken and the mean value was calculated. If participants were required to step or hold onto a support during the trial, another trial was recorded following the participant’s consent. Force plate data was filtered (Butterworth low pass (20 Hz, 1st order) offline and the centre of pressure velocity calculated.Functional Reach test (FRT): participants stood in front of a graph paper grid with the arm outstretched and the hand in a fist [Bilateral static ankle joint dorsiflexion: the weight-bearing lunge test was used to assess static ankle dorsiflexion ROM on both feet [Bilateral static hallux dorsiflexion: weight-bearing static hallux dorsiflexion ROM was measured using a rig consisting of two segments of wood that were hinged [Walking scale-12: this is a 12-item questionnaire of self-perceived walking ability [Exercise adherence and fidelity: the number of therapy sessions attended in the intervention group and the intervention delivered was recorded from standardised therapy notes (Additional File Hallux dorsiflexion measuring rig. The participant was instructed to position their foot in a way that the 1