Learning effects of perturbation to postural control in diabetics with neuropathy

Abstract

The loss of sensation in the feet due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy can affect the capability of postural control. People with postural deficits seem to be more at risk of falls or slips, and consequently, of fractures. The objective of this study was to scrutinize if there was a learning effect of repeated perturbations on postural control using two groups, diabetics with neuropathy and diabetics without neuropathy. Results found that diabetics with neuropathy had a better learning effect than diabetics without neuropathy for the posterior direction of perturbation during the perturbation period. However, during the recovery period after the perturbation, diabetics without neuropathy had a better learning effect than diabetics with neuropathy for the anterior direction of perturbation. This result may imply that repeated training of perturbation would help diabetics with neuropathy to be more experienced with unexpected loss of balance due to a perturbation and to control the disrupted posture before reaching to a fall.