Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

Background: Adequate and accurate rehabilitation program of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) depends on a precise assessment of cognition and determining its relation on gait using different objective and valid methods. The purpose of this study was to assess cognitive function and analyze & investigate influence of cognitive dysfunction on the spatiotemporal gait parameters during three different gait conditions (walking without cognitive task, walking with verbal fluency & walking with arithmetic task) in diabetic polyneuropathy patients .Results showed significant decrease in all cognitive domains in the DPN patients (G1). All spatiotemporal gait parameters were significant affected in the DPN (G1), especially during dual task performance (P<0.05). Conclusion: There is an association between cognitive dysfunction and polyneuropathy complications on diabetic patients. Spatiotemporal gait parameters are more affected in DPN patients, especially during dual-task conditions than diabetic patients without polyneuropathy. Attention/concentration, figural memory & reaction behavior are the main affected domains in diabetic polyneuropathy patients.

Issued also as CD