Postural sway and weight distribution in diabetic neuropathy patients: narrative Review.

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic condition increasing in the elderly population which leads to various disabilities and in longtime can cause chronic complications like diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cardiopathy. Objective: The aim of this narrative review is to identify the sway in posture and distribution of weight in bilateral stance in diabetic neuropathy patients. Methods: The articles are taken from Google Scholar, PUBMED, and EMBASE MEDLINE. Results: Increased anterior displacement than medial, lateral and posterior displacement in postural sway both in eye closed and eyes open, center of pressure and center of mass also changes in postural stability which will aid to identify risk of fall. In weight distribution there is an increased plantar pressure in anterior direction and higher plantar pressures were obtained in long standing phase. Discussion and Conclusion: Early detection of postural sway in diabetic patients may decrease in risk of fall, identifying the muscle strengthening and balance impairment. Even early detection of improper weight distribution over the lower limbs mainly over the foot can reduced the presence of plantar pressure sores, risk of falls and balance instability, or diabetic foot. Postural sway and weight distribution is measured in stance phase than dynamic phase, increase in postural sway can cause to risk of fall and increase in weight distribution on limb can cause wear and tear of the structure. Keyword: Postural Sway, Diabetic Neuropathy and Diabetic Nephropathy, weight distribution, plantar pressure, diabetes mellitus, diabetic foot.