Examination time-distance characteristics of gait and pelvic kinematics in individuals with Diabetic polyneuropathy: a case-control study

Abstract

Background: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) disrupts body and movement biomechanics, increases mechanical stress during walking, and predisposes individuals to injuries owing to the repetitive effects of these stresses. Aims: This study aimed to assess and compare the impact of neuropathy on gait and pelvic kinematics in individuals with DPN. Methods: This case-control study included two groups: 23 individuals diagnosed with DPN aged between 35-70 and 23 healthy individuals aged-35-70. The BTS-G, a wireless motion sensor, was used to assess the time-distance characteristics of walking in all participants. The system analyzed data pertaining to walking speed, cadence, percentages of stance and swing phases, durations of walking cycles, double-step lengths, pelvic tilt, obliquity, and rotation symmetries. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in cadence, left and right stance phase percentages, or left and right swing phase percentages (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of speed, left and right walking cycle durations, and left and right double-step lengths (p < 0.05). Additionally, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in pelvic tilt symmetry and left and right pelvic tilt range of motion values (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, significant differences were identified between the groups in pelvic obliquity symmetry, pelvic rotation symmetry, left and right pelvic obliquity range of motion, and left and right pelvic rotation range of motion values (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that individuals with DPN exhibit decreased walking speed, prolonged gait cycle duration, increased double step length, and reduced pelvic obliquity and rotation range of motion.