Plantar pressure distribution in diabetic neuropathy patients with a history of foot ulcers

Abstract

Objective To investigate the impact of a previous history of foot ulcers on the plantar pressure distribution in diabetic neuropathy patients. Methods A total of 119 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected.According to TCSS scores and history of foot ulcers they were divided into diabetic control group(DC), diabetic neuropathy group(DN) and diabetic ulcers group(DFU), at the same time 46 nomal persons were selected as control group(CG). Spatiotemporal parameters of gait were assessed during level barefoot walking using Foot-scan7. Results (1)The plantar pressure-time curve of the four groups showed obvious M type.DN group showed higher peak-valley plantar pressure difference than CG group((38±16)vs (26±8) N/cm2, t=5.389, P<0.05).DFU group showed higher peak-valley plantar pressure difference than CG ((41±16)vs(26±8) N/cm2, t=2.964, P<0.05) and DC group((41±16)vs(32±12) N/cm2, t=4.070, P<0.05).(2) The peak plantar pressure of CG group, DC group, DN group, DFU grouprose successively at M1, M3-5 and MF, especially at M3(right foot:(34±11), (35±9), (37±14), (49±23) N/cm2, F=10.431, P<0.05, leftfoot: (32±8), (37±12), (42±18), (46±17) N/cm2, F=8.659, P<0.05). While at HM area, the peak plantar pressure of the four groups decreased successively(right foot:(33±16), (29±10), (28±6), (26±7)N/cm2, F=3.878, P<0.05, left foot:(30 ± 8), (28 ± 6), (27 ± 11), (24 ± 8) N/cm2, F=3.317, P<0.05). Conclusion Diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients presented higher plantar pressure in some local area, leading to the occurence of foot ulcers. Key words: Diabetes mellitus,type 2; Peripheral neuropathy; Foot ulcer,diabetic; Plantar pressure