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Functional balance in elderly with diabetic neuropathy.
Tabassom Ghanavati1, Mohammad Jafar Shaterzadeh Yazdi, Shahin Goharpey
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Daneshjoo Blvd., Velenjak, Tehran, Iran. tbsm_pt@yahoo.com
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
|December 2, 2011
Summary
Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DPN) significantly impairs functional balance, increasing fall risk in patients. Balance deficits worsen with increased neuropathy severity, highlighting the need for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Diabetology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetes complication.
- DPN significantly elevates the risk of falls and related injuries in patients.
- Assessing functional balance is crucial for managing DPN complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate functional balance in diabetic neuropathy patients compared to healthy older adults.
- To determine the correlation between diabetic neuropathy severity and balance deficits.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 14 DPN patients and 14 healthy controls.
- Functional balance assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).
- Spearman's correlation coefficient used to analyze DPN and BBS score relationship.
Main Results:
- DPN patients exhibited significantly lower BBS scores than controls (P<0.001).
- Key balance challenges for DPN patients included single leg stance, tandem standing, and forward reaching.
- A strong negative correlation (r=-0.77, P<0.001) was found between neuropathy severity and BBS scores.
Conclusions:
- DPN causes significant functional imbalance, increasing fall risk during daily activities.
- The severity of functional imbalance correlates with the progression of diabetic neuropathy.
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