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Balance and gait in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Background Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) causes various physical problems such as the increased risk of falling, loss of balance and coordination while standing or walking, susceptibility to injuries due to sensory loss. Aims The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effects of neuropathic pain (NP) in individuals with DPN on balance and gait. Methods This prospective controlled study was conducted on 42 adults aged between 40–65 years. The participants were divided into three groups; individuals with DPN and NP (DPN+NP/n = 14), individuals with DPN without NP (DPN-NP/n = 14), and the control group (n = 14), respectively. The Force Plate system and Core Balance System measured static and dynamic postural balance and stability limits. Gait and dynamic plantar pressure distribution analyses were performed with a computerized gait evaluation system. Results The score of LANSS, and VAS during gait were higher in DPN+NP group than in DPN-NP (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups in balance parameters (p > 0.05). The right-left heel maximum forces were lower in both groups with DPN compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In terms of spatiotemporal parameters of the gait, there was a difference between the groups only in step width and left single support line parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusions The results of this study indicate that the individuals with DPN have an increased step width, their left single support line was shortened, and the maximum force on the heel decreased. The NP did not cause any change in balance and gait parameters.

Description

Published by Neurological Research; https://doi.org/10.1080/01616412.2023.2257445; Süleyman Korkusuz, Hacettepe University, Institute of Health Sciences, Neurology Physiotherapy Doctorate Program, Ankara, Turkey, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1277-1369 ; Büşra Seçkinoğulları, Hacettepe University, Institute of Health Sciences, Neurology Physiotherapy Doctorate Program, Ankara, Turkey, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8484-3659; Zeliha Özlem Yürük, Baskent University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4408-6489; Naime Uluğ, Atılım University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3062-1655; Sibel Kibar, Atılım University, Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9967-7809.

Keywords

Diabetes Mellitus, Gait, Pain, Postural Balance

Citation

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14411/2042