Marcela R Camargo1, José A Barela2, Andréa J L Nozabieli3, Alessandra M Mantovani3, Alessandra R Martinelli3, Cristina E P T Fregonesi4. 1. Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Physical Therapy, School of Sciences and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Movement Analysis, Institute of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. 2. Laboratory of Movement Analysis, Institute of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil. 3. Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Physical Therapy, School of Sciences and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil. 4. Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Physical Therapy, School of Sciences and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: cristina@fct.unesp.br.
Abstract
AIMS: The aims of this study were to evaluate aspects of balance, ankle muscle strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and verify whether deficits in spatiotemporal gait parameters were associated with ankle muscle strength and balance performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty individuals with DPN and 30 control individuals have participated. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated by measuring the time to walk a set distance during self-selected and maximal walking speeds. Functional mobility and balance performance were assessed using the Functional Reach and the Time Up and Go tests. Ankle isometric muscle strength was assessed with a handheld digital dynamometer. Analyses of variance were employed to verify possible differences between groups and conditions. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to uncover possible predictors of gait deficits. RESULTS: Gait spatiotemporal, functional mobility, balance performance and ankle muscle strength were affected in individuals with DPN. The Time Up and Go test performance and ankle muscle isometric strength were associated to spatiotemporal gait changes, especially during maximal walking speed condition. CONCLUSION: Functional mobility and balance performance are damaged in DPN and balance performance and ankle muscle strength can be used to predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with DPN.
AIMS: The aims of this study were to evaluate aspects of balance, ankle muscle strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and verify whether deficits in spatiotemporal gait parameters were associated with ankle muscle strength and balance performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty individuals with DPN and 30 control individuals have participated. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated by measuring the time to walk a set distance during self-selected and maximal walking speeds. Functional mobility and balance performance were assessed using the Functional Reach and the Time Up and Go tests. Ankle isometric muscle strength was assessed with a handheld digital dynamometer. Analyses of variance were employed to verify possible differences between groups and conditions. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to uncover possible predictors of gait deficits. RESULTS: Gait spatiotemporal, functional mobility, balance performance and ankle muscle strength were affected in individuals with DPN. The Time Up and Go test performance and ankle muscle isometric strength were associated to spatiotemporal gait changes, especially during maximal walking speed condition. CONCLUSION: Functional mobility and balance performance are damaged in DPN and balance performance and ankle muscle strength can be used to predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with DPN.