title: Muscle strength and ankle mobility for the gait parameters in diabetic neuropathies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the spatio-temporal variables of gait and the isometric muscle strength component of the ankle in patients with peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Also, verify the relationship between these variables and gait parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study involved 25 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) participants (62.4±8.36 years) and 27 age-matched healthy control individuals (64.48±6.21 years). The assessment of the spatio-temporal parameters of gait was performed using an electronic baropodometry treadmill. Prior to the collection data, each participant was instructed to walk on the treadmill in her/his habitual self-selected speed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Diabetic neuropathy group showed impairment of gait, with a smaller stride and length speed of the cycle, and increased duration of support time. Restricted dorsiflexion mobility and increased plantarflexion mobility were found, with a decrease in muscle strength of the dorsiflexors and plantiflexors. There was a significant relationship between plantiflexor muscle strength and the length and speed of the gait cycle. Also the muscle strengths of the plantiflexors and dorsiflexors, and the range of motion of dorsiflexion were predictors of gait performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ankle, muscle strength and ankle mobility variables could explain changes in gait speed and range of motion in patients with DPN, allowing for the application of preventive strategies.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Physiotherapy (LECFisio), School of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, PresidentePrudente, São Paulo, Brazil. lerezendemartinelli@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Alessandra Rezende
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Martinelli
authors.forename: Alessandra Madia
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mantovani
authors.forename: Andrea Jeanne Lourenço
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Nozabieli
authors.forename: Dalva Minonroze Albuquerque
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: José Angelo
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Barela
authors.forename: Marcela Regina de
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Camargo
authors.forename: Cristina Elena Prado Teles
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Fregonesi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D062211:Spatio-Temporal Analysis