Postural strategies in diabetes patients with peripheral neuropathy determined using cross-correlation functions

Although postural control strategies have been largely explored in diabetes patients with peripheral neuropathy, the literature on their postural control strategies related to peripheral neuropathy level and task complexity is still limited. The aim of this study is then to investigate how balance task difficulty influences postural strategies in diabetes patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Postural strategies and instability were evaluated in 25 diabetes patients during four standing tasks. The root mean square value of the anterior-posterior angular velocity, measured at the trunk and the ankle, was investigated and analyzed using cross-correlation functions (CCFs). Correlations between balance and clinical variables were analyzed.

A significant decrease in CCFs between trunk and ankles was observed under dynamic balance conditions. Correlations were observed between postural strategies and balance instability with the level of peripheral neuropathy and with hip and ankle strength.

Postural strategies are influenced by more demanding standing tasks and correlated with the level of peripheral neuropathy and strength of muscles in diabetes patients.