Handsaker JC, Brown SJ, Petrovic M, Bowling FL, Rajbhandari S, Marple-Horvat DE, Boulton AJM, Reeves ND. J. Diabetes Complications 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.
Affiliation
Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom.
INTRODUCTION: Patients with diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) place their feet with less accuracy whilst walking, which may contribute to the increased falls-risk. This study examines the effects of a multi-faceted intervention on stepping accuracy, in patients with diabetes and DPN.
METHODS: Forty participants began the study, of which 29 completed both the pre and post-intervention tests, 8 patients with DPN, 11 patients with diabetes but no neuropathy (D) and 10 healthy controls (C). Accuracy of stepping was measured pre- and post-intervention as participants walked along an irregularly arranged stepping walkway. Participants attended a one-hour session, once a week, for sixteen weeks, involving high-load resistance exercise and visual-motor training.
RESULTS: Patients who took part in the intervention improved stepping accuracy (DPN: +45%; D: +36%) (p < 0.05). The diabetic non-intervention (D-NI) group did not display any significant differences in stepping accuracy pre- to post- the intervention period (-7%).
DISCUSSION: The improved stepping accuracy observed in patients with diabetes and DPN as a result of this novel intervention, may contribute towards reducing falls-risk. This multi-faceted intervention presents promise for improving the general mobility and safety of patients during walking and could be considered for inclusion as part of clinical treatment programmes.