Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Plantar Fascia in Diabetes Mellitus (DMumecPRO)

Tülay Çevik Saldıran

Status: Completed

Conditions: Diabetes Mellitus

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: Evaluation of biomechanics and viscoelastic properties of plantar fascia

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05061602

BitlisErenUn

Details and patient eligibility

About

In this study, an attempt has been made to analyze the changes in soft tissue biomechanical properties of plantar surface in diabetes. The second aim of this study was to explore the relationships between fear of falling, physical performance, and plantar stiffness in patients with diabetes.

Full description

Chronic diabetes can lead to ulceration in the plantar region and may result in amputation. Diabetes-related foot ulcerations are one of the most challenging complications of diabetes mellitus. Myotonometry, a technique to measure dynamic stiffness is preferred due to its noninvasiveness, easy employability, and rapid investigation. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyze the changes in soft tissue biomechanical properties of the plantar surface in diabetes. Increased plantar tissue stiffness is thought to alter the distribution of tensile stresses in the plantar soft tissues during gait. Combined with a reduction in plantar tissue thickness, these changes could collectively decrease the mechanical loads required to initiate soft tissue breakdown and thus lead to foot ulceration formation. Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for falls in adults and is associated with an increase in fear of falling. Microvascular complications associated with DM result in multiple impairments including sensory deficits and muscle weakness due to peripheral neuropathy, loss of visual acuity due to retinopathy, and impaired postural control and falls due to vestibulopathy. The prevalence of falls and fear of falling are significantly higher in adults with diabetes mellitus. Assessment of mechanical properties of plantar tissues can aid in the early diagnosis of ulceration. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyze the changes in soft tissue biomechanical properties of the plantar surface in diabetes. The second aim of this study was to explore the relationships between fear of falling, physical performance, and plantar stiffness in patients with diabetes.

Enrollment: 50 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with diabetes mellitus for more than three years
• Individuals without a history of diabetes mellitus affirmed by a normal range of fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels.
• Age≥18 years

Exclusion criteria

• History of central nervous system conditions
• No visual and vestibular impairments
• Amputation of the lower limb
• History of fracture
• Surgery of lumbar and lower limb
• Having pain resulting in movement difficulty

Trial design

50 participants in 2 patient groups

Diabetic Group

Description:

The patients were included if they were of 18 years or older, with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus for more than three years.

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Evaluation of biomechanics and viscoelastic properties of plantar fascia

NonDiabetic Group

Description:

The healthy age-matched control group was included.

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Evaluation of biomechanics and viscoelastic properties of plantar fascia