title: Balance and ankle muscle strength predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to evaluate aspects of balance, ankle muscle strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and verify whether deficits in spatiotemporal gait parameters were associated with ankle muscle strength and balance performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty individuals with DPN and 30 control individuals have participated. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated by measuring the time to walk a set distance during self-selected and maximal walking speeds. Functional mobility and balance performance were assessed using the Functional Reach and the Time Up and Go tests. Ankle isometric muscle strength was assessed with a handheld digital dynamometer. Analyses of variance were employed to verify possible differences between groups and conditions. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to uncover possible predictors of gait deficits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gait spatiotemporal, functional mobility, balance performance and ankle muscle strength were affected in individuals with DPN. The Time Up and Go test performance and ankle muscle isometric strength were associated to spatiotemporal gait changes, especially during maximal walking speed condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Functional mobility and balance performance are damaged in DPN and balance performance and ankle muscle strength can be used to predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with DPN.
authors: Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Physical Therapy, School of Sciences and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Movement Analysis, Institute of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Marcela R
authors: MR
authors: Camargo
authors: Laboratory of Movement Analysis, Institute of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
authors: José A
authors: JA
authors: Barela
authors: Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Physical Therapy, School of Sciences and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil.
authors: Andréa J L
authors: AJ
authors: Nozabieli
authors: Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Physical Therapy, School of Sciences and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil.
authors: Alessandra M
authors: AM
authors: Mantovani
authors: Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Physical Therapy, School of Sciences and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil.
authors: Alessandra R
authors: AR
authors: Martinelli
authors: Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Physical Therapy, School of Sciences and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: cristina@fct.unesp.br.
authors: Cristina E P T
authors: CE
authors: Fregonesi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Balance; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic peripheral neuropathy; Gait; Muscle strength