Article

This study investigated the relationship between peripheral nerve
conduction velocity (NCV) and balance performance in older adults with diabetes.
Methods Twenty older adults with diabetes were recruited to evaluate the NCV of
their lower limbs and balance performance. The balance assessments comprised the
timed up and go (TUG) test, Berg balance scale (BBS), unipedal stance test (UST),
multidirectional reach test (MDRT), maximum step length (MSL) test and quiet
standing with eyes open and closed. The relationship between NCV and balance
performance was evaluated by Pearson's correlation coefficients, and the balance
performances of the diabetic patients with and without peripheral neuropathy were
compared by using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results The NCV in the lower limbs
exhibited a moderate to strong correlation with most of the balance tests
including the TUG (r = -0.435 to -0.520, p < 0.05), BBS (r = 0.406-0.554, p <
0.05), UST (r = 0.409-0.647, p < 0.05) and MSL (r = 0.399-0.585, P < 0.05). In
addition, patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy had a poorer TUG (p <
0.05), BBS (p < 0.01), UST (p < 0.05) and MSL performance (p < 0.05) compared
with those without peripheral neuropathy (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings
revealed that a decline in peripheral nerve conduction in the lower limb is not
only an indication of nerve dysfunction, but may also be related to the
impairment of balance performance in patients with diabetes. Implications for
Rehabilitation Nerve conduction velocity in the lower limbs of diabetic older
adults showed moderate to strong correlations with most of the results of balance
tests, which are commonly used in clinics. Decline in nerve conduction velocity
of the lower limbs may be related to the impairment of balance control in
patients with diabetes. Diabetic older adults with peripheral neuropathy
exhibited greater postural instability than those without peripheral neuropathy.

Langue : ANGLAIS