Abstract Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide that might be associated with peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This study aimed to compare the spatiotemporal and impulse characteristics of DM and DPN patients during gait. Using electrodiagnostic test, DPN patients were distinguished from DM (without DPN complication) group. DPN is associated with diminished conduction velocity (CV) of peripheral nerves, smaller muscle frequency, and higher amplitude compared to DM group. In addition, both muscle and nerve function were altered in DPN group. Regarding gait characteristics, shorter stride length and single support time, and longer double support time in DPN group were observed. Impulse along medio-lateral axis was greater in DPN group compared to DM group. It appears that DPN group adopted a more conservative gait strategy to decrease the falling risk. Higher impulse in DPN suggests greater joint constraints and may lead to an increase of the foot ulceration risk.
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