Achilles Tendon and Balance in Prediabetes

Ultrasonographic measurements of the Achilles tendon were taken using Samsung Sonoace X7 ultrasound system equipped with an 8-13MHz linear transducer. After assuming a prone position on the examination table, the patients placed their feet against the wall and flexed their ankles to ensure optimal contact between the probe and the tendon. Measurements were taken separately on the right and left sides for each patient. Initially, the probe was positioned perpendicular to the long axis of the tendon for an axial plane assessment, followed by measurements of thickness (anterior-posterior), width (medial-lateral), and area at the level of the medial malleolus. The thickness and width measurements utilized the tendon's major axes, while the area measurements were automatically calculated by the device through continuous tracing of the tendon circumference in the same section

A Tetrax device was used to assess static balance. The patient was positioned on the platform and subjected to tests in eight different positions. For each position, a test measurement was made for a duration of 32 seconds, for a total of approximately 5 minutes. The normal eyes-open position was taken as the reference. The effects of vision on balance were observed in the eyes-closed position. Balance is dependent on the back of the heels and the lower vertebrae in this position. Conversely, in the eyes-closed position with the head tilted 30 degrees forward, there is a load on the upper vertebrae and neck. Following the measurements, the Tetrax software program was used to calculate the Fall Index and Stability Index