Which lower limb frontal plane sensory and motor functions predict gait speed and efficiency on uneven surfaces in older persons with diabetic neuropathy?
OBJECTIVE
To identify which frontal plane lower limb sensorimotor functions predict gait speed and efficiency (step-width-to-step-length ratio) on an uneven surface.


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study.


METHODS
A biomechanics research laboratory.


METHODS
Thirty-three subjects (14 women [42.4%]; 21 with diabetic distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy [63.6%]), with a spectrum of lower limb sensorimotor functions that ranged from normal to marked diabetic neuropathy.


METHODS
Independent variables included ankle inversion-eversion proprioceptive thresholds, and normalized measures of maximum voluntary strength and maximum rate of torque development (RTD) of hip abduction-adduction and ankle inversion-eversion. Kinematic data were obtained by using an optoelectronic system as subjects walked over an uneven 10-m surface.


METHODS
Dependent variables included gait speed and efficiency (determined by step-width-to-step-length ratio) on an uneven surface.


RESULTS
Hip adduction RTD and ankle inversion RTD predicted 54% of gait speed, with the former predicting the majority (44%). Ankle inversion RTD was the only significant predictor of gait efficiency, which accounted for 46% of its variability. Age did not predict gait speed or efficiency.


CONCLUSIONS
The rapid generation of strength in the frontal plane at the hip and ankle is responsible for the successful negotiation of irregular surfaces in older persons. Age demonstrated no independent influence. Training regimens in older persons should include maneuvers that rapidly develop strength in hip adductors and ankle invertors if navigation of uneven surfaces is a functional goal.
University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland.
Lara
L
Allet
Hogene
H
Kim
James A
JA
Ashton-Miller
James K
JK
Richardson
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology; D013499:Surface Properties