Article

High plantar pressure is a major risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers.
The relationship between plantar pressure and foot mobility has been investigated
in some studies. However, when the foot is in motion, foot mobility is only a
small feature of the gait. Therefore, we investigated relationship between high
plantar pressure and gait and also studied the motion of the trunk. In addition,
we investigated the relationship between gait and patient characteristics to
identify patients at high-risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: The
relationships between elevated plantar pressure, gait features, and patient
characteristics were analyzed. Plantar pressure distribution in the stance phase
was divided on the four plantar segments. Elevated plantar pressure was defined
as being more than the mean plus one standard deviation of the corresponding
segment in non-diabetic subjects. Plantar pressure distribution was measured by
an F-scan system, and gait features were measured using wireless motion sensors
attached to the sacrum and feet. Patient characteristics were obtained from
medical records or by interview. RESULTS: Small roll and yaw motions of the body
and yaw motion of the foot during the mid-stance phase were related to the
elevated plantar pressure in 57 diabetic patients. Furthermore, these gait
features were related to sensory neuropathy, diabetes duration, patient weight,
toe-gap force, and ankle range of motion. CONCLUSION: Given our findings, it may
be possible to prevent diabetic foot ulcers by increasing foot motion during the
mid-stance phase. Passive exercise aimed at expanding ankle range of motion in
patients with sensory neuropathy or long-standing diabetes may assist in
achieving this.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS