To explore the features the gait of elderly persons with type 2 diabetes and peri-pheral neuropathy.

Twenty patients no less than 60 years old with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (DPN) formed a DPN group, while 20 counterparts with type 2 diabetes but without peripheral neuropathy composed the DM group, and another 20 healthy counterparts served as a control group. The three groups were tested using the Swedish Qualisys motion capture system and their walking speed, step length, step width, stride frequency and stride length, bipedal foot support phase time, single foot support phase time, peak plantar pressure, and regional-holding time were collected and compared.

The average walking speed, stride length and stepping frequency of the DPN group were all significantly lower than the other 2 groups′ averages. Their bipedal support phase was significantly longer, but their single foot support phase time was significantly shorter. And in the DPN group the average first and second peak plantar pressures and the second peak pressure time were significantly greater than the other groups′ averages.

Elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy have significant gait abnormalities, decreased walking stability, as well as increased plantar pressure and plantar compression time.

Type 2 diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Peripheral neuropathy; Gait; Plantar pressure