The effect of diabetes on single stepping thresholds using a simple spring-loaded scale

The effect of diabetes on the ability of older adults to respond to external perturbations is not well documented. The purpose of this study was to determine if stepping threshold (ST) could be quantified in a clinical setting in older adults with diabetes and if it provided unique information regarding fall risk in this population. We found that regardless of direction, STs were lower in older adults with diabetes, but only anterior ST was affected by fall history. Moreover, anterior ST was an independent predictor of fall history after accounting for balance. Anterior ST may provide a unique, modifiable marker of fall risk in older adults with diabetes that can be easily measured in a clinic.