Associations between the toe brachial index and health-related quality of life in older people

Background: Peripheral arterial disease is responsible for impaired health-related quality of life as a consequence of associated morbidity and mortality. The toe brachial index (TBI) provides non-invasive assessment of peripheral arterial health. Lower TBI values have been associated with foot ulceration, amputation and impaired healing, however, the relationship with health-related quality of life has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the TBI and health-related quality of life. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 100 participants aged over 50 years recruited from podiatry clinics in New South Wales, Australia. The TBI was calculated using automated equipment and quality of life was assessed using the Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2). Strength of associations was determined using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: Lower TBI values demonstrated modest significant associations with poorer scores for the SF-36v2 domains Role Physical (r(s) = 0.219, p > 0.05), Social Function (r(s) = 0.219, p < 0.05) and the Physical Component Summary score (r(s) = 0.203, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The toe brachial index demonstrates limited associations with physical and social aspects of health-related quality of life in older people.