Changes in pressure trajectory during gait in patients with diabetic neuropathy / Mahmoud Elsayed Abdelkader Midan ; Supervised Gehan Mussa Ahmed , Amira Mohamed Elgohary , Bassam Abdelmegeed Elnassag

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

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of diabetic polyneuropathy on center of pressure trajectory and falling risk assessed by Berg Balance Scale in diabetic patients. Subjects and methods: Thirty diabetic patients from both sexes participated in this study with age ranged between 50-60 years. The patients were divided into two equal groups; fifteen patients with mild polyneuropathy with grade IIa of Dyck classification, study group (A) and 15 patients without polyneuropathy, control group (B). All patients had nerve conduction studies, balance assessment with Berg balance scale and assessment of center of pressure trajectory during gait with pressure measuring insoles in self selected and maximum walking speed. Results: Results revealed significant decrease in Berg Balance Scale score, anteroposterior displacement and velocity during self selected speed and anteroposterior center of pressure displacement in maximum walking speed in group (A) compared to group (B). There was a significant increased in mediolateral center of pressure in maximum speed compared to self selected speed in group (B) only. In addition there were significant positive correlations between balance and mediolateral and anteroposterior center of pressure velocities during self selected speed, while there were significant positive correlations between balance and all parameters of center of pressure during maximum walking speed. In conclusion: Diabetic polyneuropathy has an effect on center of pressure trajectory as a result it increases fall risk in diabetic patients

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