Gait and Postural Control Deficits in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy Compared to Healthy Controls

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes that impairs gait and balance, increasing fall risk. This study investigated gait characteristics and postural control in individuals with DPN, compared to age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Fifteen DPN patients and fifteen controls underwent assessments of gait, static balance, and mobility. Gait parameters were measured during overground walking using motion capture and force platforms. Static balance was evaluated via tandem stance tests (eyes open/closed), while mobility was assessed with the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test. Dynamic stability was assessed by computing the center-of-pressure Time-to-Contact (TTC) with the mediolateral (ML) stability boundary. We hypothesized that patients with DPN would exhibit an altered gait and reduced ML postural stability during walking. The study results show no significant differences in ML center-of-pressure (COP) excursion or its velocity during walking between groups. Patients with DPN walked relatively slowly, with shorter steps, and showed markedly poorer static balance (earlier failure during tandem stance test), as well as slower TUG performance. Clinically, these findings support routine fall risk screening in DPN using both static balance tests (e.g., tandem stance) and mobility measures (e.g., TUG or gait speed). These findings further suggest that while dynamic postural control during walking may be preserved, DPN patients exhibit gait adaptations and significant static balance deficits, highlighting the need for comprehensive balance assessment in this population.