Home

Patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) are more likely to develop planter ulceration due to alterations in the foot rollover process during walking and an overall worsening of foot-ankle muscular, articular and nervous function.  The Brazilian/Italian group of researchers around Cristina Sartor and Isabel Sacco have tested the effects of strengthening, stretching and functional training on foot function in patients with DPN. The study was based on the hypothesis that these interventions could lead to the recovery of muscles and joint functions and help DPN patients “to maintain, for as long as possible, the residual capability to interact safely with the ground while walking or standing.”

Sartor et al. recruited 55 patients with DPN between 45-65 years of age. The intervention group of 26 persons underwent administered foot-ankle and gait training twice a week for an overall period of 12 weeks, whilst the control group of 29 persons received standard medical care. Plantar loading distribution was measured using novel’s pedar^® system and the collected data were analysed with the software novel-projects. In comparison to the control group, the researchers found that the intervention “discreetly changed foot rollover towards a more physiological process, supported by improved plantar pressure distribution and better functional condition of the foot ankle complex.“ They therefore recommend these exercises as a complementary intervention to patients with DPN to be repeated periodically.

Sartor, CD; Hasue, RH; Cacciari, LP; Butugan, MK; Watari, R; Pássaro, AC; Giacomozzi, C; Sacco, ICN (2014):
Effects of strengthening, stretching and functional training on foot function in patients with diabetic neuropathy: results of a randomized controlled trial.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 15:137 doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-137