METHODOLOGICAL PROTOCOL FOR BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION OF DYNAMIC RESPONSES DURING GAIT IN NEUROPHATHIC DIABETIC PATIENTS 912

Abstract

This study systematizes a methodology to support the interpretation of biomechanical parameters as possible interfering factors on the gait evaluation of neurophathic diabetic patients. By the analysis of plantar pressure distribution (PPD), simultaneous determination of ground reaction forces (GRF) and tests to evaluate somatic - sensorial sensibility, like cronaxie (SC) and pain tolerance (PT), we analysed relationships and dependencies in the gait behavior. We tested this proposed methodology in 3 groups approved by the Ethicial and Research Committee of the University Hospital: C - control group (20), D - diabetic group without any chronic diabetic complications (20), and ND- neurophathic diabetic group (10). These acquisitions of the GRF and PPD showed strong relationship between them, as we could see through the protocol of synchronization and dynamic calibration of the F-Scan system, defined by the Cologne Calibration. The data obtained from F-Scan system that used a dynamic calibration, oscillated around 10% in relation to all force curves acquired byKistler force plates. Considering the tests to evaluate sensibility, there are remarkable differences among those groups. For example, the data for SC and PT in the left rearfoot for the 3 groups was, respectively, C - 0.33 ms/ 14.25 mA; D - 0.53 ms/ 11.75 mA; and ND - 5.95 ms/ 19 mA. However, PPD haven't shown any statistical difference among those groups; for example, analysing the same area chosen above, C - 248.2±12.9 kPa, D - 235.3±9.9 kPa, ND - 267.7±21.8 kPa.