Smartphone-based evaluation of static balance and mobility in type 2 Diabetes

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is associated with various complications, including impaired motor function.
• Assessing balance and mobility is crucial for maintaining independence in the elderly population.
• Objective measurement tools are needed to identify functional deficits in individuals with DM2.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare static balance control and mobility between elderly individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).
• To evaluate the feasibility of using smartphone inertial sensors for assessing functional impairments in DM2 patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 73 elderly participants (36 controls, 37 with DM2).
• Smartphone inertial sensors recorded data during static balance and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests.
• Inertial variations were analyzed and compared between the control and DM2 groups.

Main Results:

• The DM2 group demonstrated significantly worse static balance control (eyes open and closed) compared to controls (p < 0.05).
• Elderly individuals with DM2 exhibited longer durations for mobility tasks (TUG test) than the control group (p < 0.05).
• Smartphone sensor analysis successfully identified functional impairments in DM2 patients.

Conclusions:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus leads to a decline in motor functions, affecting balance and mobility in the elderly.
• Smartphone-based inertial sensing is a feasible and accessible method for screening functional impairments in DM2 patients.
• The widespread availability of smartphones can facilitate improved screening and management of functional deficits in DM2.