Assessment of the Plantar Pressure, Muscle Strength and Balance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Cyprus

Başar Öztürk,Mehtap Malkoç,Yasin Yurt,Ender Angın,Zehra Güçhan

doi:10.4236/ojemd.2016.65020

Abstract

Aims: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder which affects whole systems of human body. This study aimed to compare the strength of foot muscles, dynamic balance, and peak plantar pressure between diabetic patients before developing polyneuropathy and healthy peers. Methods: 21 people, 11 diabetic patients and 10 age-matched healthy peers, were included in the study. A manual muscle tester (model 01163 Lafayette) was used to assess muscle strength. Pedobarography was the device to determine the distribution of plantar pressure into nine regions of foot. Dynamic balance was also measured by using a mobile platform (Techno-body, PK 200 WL, Italy). Results: Diabetic and control groups had similar muscle strength and dynamic balance (p > 0.05). Most of the plantar pressure findings were also similar (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in only two regions of foot between two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Diabetes Mellitus is not a factor influencing balance and muscle strength before polyneuropathy. However, it is possible to state that it may negatively affect the distribution of plantar pressure so clinians should assess and treat this distribution in the patients with DM.

Highlights

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder which affects functions of various systems in human body
DM is frequently seen in individuals over 40 years old and causes a common complication which is peripheral polyneuropathy [1] [2]
If the development of polyneuropathy can’t be prevented, it may result in foot ulcers, imbalance and even lower extremity amputations

Summary

Introduction

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder which affects functions of various systems in human body. (2016) Assessment of the Plantar Pressure, Muscle Strength and Balance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Cyprus. DM is frequently seen in individuals over 40 years old and causes a common complication which is peripheral polyneuropathy [1] [2]. This is a dysfunction of peripheral and autonomic nerves and leads to loss of sensation, abnormal distribution of plantar pressure of foot, weak foot muscles, and decreased dynamic balance. Postural control may seriously be affected and fall risk threatens life of the patients with DM, so balance assessment is very important for this population [3]. If the development of polyneuropathy can’t be prevented, it may result in foot ulcers, imbalance and even lower extremity amputations

Methods

Results

Conclusion