Impact of diabetes and diabetic neuropathy on the mechanics and energetics of foot joints.

Details

Supervisors

Deschamps, Kevin

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [60] en kinésithérapie et réadaptation

Abstract

Neuropathies are a frequent complication of diabetes and affect more specifically foot structures. Analysing the biomechanics of the foot is, therefore, crucial to understand if modifications in foot kinetics are assigned to diabetes itself or neurological complications. Those modifications have a significant clinical impact; it is, thus, essential to anticipate changes to avoid additional care and complications. The purpose of this study is to determine if neuropathies have an impact on foot mechanics and energetics or if foot alterations are caused only by diabetes. Our study brought to light that the presence of neuropathies has a direct impact on the mechanics of the foot, an indirect impact on the energetics of the foot, and this will exacerbate the modifications and alteration during gait. Further studies should impose specific walking velocities, to see how both diabetic groups adapt, as well as matching patients according to their body mass index (BMI).