Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the anteroposterior and intersidal asymmetric weight bearing and plantar pressure in patients with mild diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Design: A total of 102 subjects were enrolled in this study. Plantar pressure and anteroposterior and intersidal weight-bearing patterns on a foot plate were measured using Gaitview while standing and during dynamic walking. The subjects were evaluated with nerve conduction study, vibration sensory threshold (VST), and Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) scores.
Results: The subjects were classified into normal nerve conduction study and mild diabetic peripheral neuropathy groups according to the results of the nerve conduction study tests. The two groups differed significantly in asymmetric weight-bearing pattern, DNS score, and VST. The sensitivities of anteroposterior and intersidal asymmetry were similar to those of DNS score and VST, with significant correlations between asymmetric weight bearing and VST and DNS scores. In contrast, highest plantar pressure did not differ significantly in the two groups and was not significantly correlated with nerve conduction study, VST, or DNS score.
Conclusions: Measurements of asymmetric weight bearing may indicate the clinical significance of mild diabetic peripheral neuropathy similar as other screening tools. Asymmetric weight-bearing pattern may be useful for evaluating patients in the early period of diabetes mellitus because proper management would prevent further complications and improve quality-of-life.