Gait Profile Score and its correlation with clinical outcomes in individuals with diabetic neuropathy: A...

Gait biomechanical alterations are a hallmark of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), due to sensory and motor deficits, contributing to functional decline and reduced quality of life.

Do individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy present higher Gait Profile Scores compared to healthy controls, and how are these scores associated with clinical outcomes and lower limb joint moments?

This cross-sectional study evaluated gait deviations in 102 individuals with DPN by quantifying the Gait Profile Score (GPS) and Gait Variable Scores (GVS) and their association with clinical outcomes, compared to a healthy control group. Gait analysis was conducted using standard 3D motion-capture systems to obtain kinematic data from nine key lower-limb variables, and an innovative GPS Moment was derived by incorporating sagittal joint moments. Clinical outcomes were assessed using validated instruments for DPN severity, symptoms, foot health, and overall quality of life.

The findings revealed that individuals with DPN exhibited significantly elevated GPS values (8.47 ± 2.77°), which were higher than the typical 5-6 degrees seen in healthy people, indicating pronounced gait abnormalities. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between GPS and hip rotation, and a moderate correlation with hip flexion and pelvic tilt, indicating these joint movements are particularly more affected. Quality of life and DPN severity also showed correlations to ankle dorsiflexion and pelvic tilt.

These results underscore the extensive impact of DPN on gait mechanics and highlight the potential benefits of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies targeting the entire lower limb to improve functional mobility and patient outcomes.