Many foot and lower limb disorders resulting from diabetes, such as deformity, muscle weakness, reduced range of motion, stiffness of connective tissue, amount of oxygenation, functional capacity, poor balance and coordination, can potentially be corrected or prevented with specific interventions (15). It is important to diversify assessment methods for the development and elaboration of prevention strategies. Rapid, low-cost and detailed evaluations provide good planning of treatment. According to the International Diabetic Foot Study Group (IDFG) scale used to determine the risk of diabetic foot ulcer, it is thought that performing a plantar pressure analysis of a patient with diabetes to determine the people who do not have foot ulcers but are at risk, knowing the difference in the amount of muscle oxygenation of the muscles around the foot and ankle with healthy people and the change in muscle elastic properties will be important in terms of preventing the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers and determining the changes of the treatments applied in the lower extremities.
Recent guidelines for the treatment and prevention of diabetic foot complications emphasize the management/control of diabetes, foot care, patient education and self-management of foot care . Other rehabilitation approaches, including exercise therapy, have recently come to the forefront in the literature within the scope of preventive treatments. Exercises have been shown to be beneficial in diabetic patients, especially in increasing nerve velocity conduction in the lower extremities . As a result of these recommendations, evaluation of the risk of diabetic foot ulceration before ulceration develops, detailed analysis of all tissues and systems expected to be affected may be solved with preventive strategies by reducing the need for treatment. The change in plantar pressure distribution in patients with diabetes is one of the mechanisms that form the basis of the mechanisms of foot ulcer formation. Altered biomechanical structure, high intensity and repetitive diffuse pressure due to neuropathy, and insufficiency of vascular tissues caused by peripheral arterial disease directly affect the plantar pressure distribution . Determining this change before diabetic wound formation, analyzing the changing plantar pressure ratios and determining the condition in the presence of neuropathy may improve the quality of the treatment program to be created. In the study conducted by Stephens et al. In the study conducted by Stephens et al. the plantar surface tissue of the intrinsic foot muscles oxidized following exercise interventions in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SCREENING
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Using the MyotonPro device, the elastic properties, including stiffness, elasticity, and tone, were evaluated for the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and peroneus longus muscles. Measurements were performed in a controlled laboratory setting.
Muscle oxygenation levels were measured before and after a standardized exercise protocol using the MOXY device. The exercise protocol consisted of a light-intensity dynamic task tailored to minimize fatigue and mimic functional activity.
Plantar pressure was assessed both statically and dynamically using a pressure-mapping platform. This provided data on pressure distribution, contact times, and high-pressure areas across the foot during various conditions.
University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Lab
Istanbul, Uskudar, Turkey (Türkiye)
Muscle Elastic Properties
Stiffness, elasticity, and tone of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and peroneus longus muscles measured using the MyotonPro device. Key Metrics: Differences in muscle stiffness, tone, and elasticity between groups.
Time frame: Measured within a 1-month period.
Muscle Oxygenation (SmO2)
Changes in local oxygen saturation (SmO2) levels of the targeted muscles, measured pre- and post-exercise using the MOXY device. Comparison of SmO2 levels between IWGDF 0, IWGDF 1, and healthy control groups. Key Metrics: Reduction in SmO2 levels and recovery trends post-exercise
Time frame: Measured within a 1-month period.
Plantar Pressure Parameters
Static and dynamic plantar pressure analysis to identify high-pressure regions and foot loading patterns. Key Metrics: Average plantar pressure values in midfoot and forefoot regions. Contact times and pressure distribution in dynamic gait analysis.
Time frame: Measured within a 1-month period.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.