Relevance of nerve conduction velocity in the assessment of balance performance in older adults with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Purpose This study investigated the relationship between peripheral nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and balance performance in older adults with diabetes. Methods Twenty older adults with diabetes were recruited to evaluate the NCV of their lower limbs and balance performance. The balance assessments comprised the timed up and go (TUG) test, Berg balance scale (BBS), unipedal stance test (UST), multidirectional reach test (MDRT), maximum step length (MSL) test and quiet standing with eyes open and closed. The relationship between NCV and balance performance was evaluated by Pearson's correlation coefficients, and the balance performances of the diabetic patients with and without peripheral neuropathy were compared by using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results The NCV in the lower limbs exhibited a moderate to strong correlation with most of the balance tests including the TUG (r = -0.435 to -0.520, p < 0.05), BBS (r = 0.406-0.554, p < 0.05), UST (r = 0.409-0.647, p < 0.05) and MSL (r = 0.399-0.585, P < 0.05). In addition, patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy had a poorer TUG (p < 0.05), BBS (p < 0.01), UST (p < 0.05) and MSL performance (p < 0.05) compared with those without peripheral neuropathy (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings revealed that a decline in peripheral nerve conduction in the lower limb is not only an indication of nerve dysfunction, but may also be related to the impairment of balance performance in patients with diabetes. Implications for Rehabilitation Nerve conduction velocity in the lower limbs of diabetic older adults showed moderate to strong correlations with most of the results of balance tests, which are commonly used in clinics. Decline in nerve conduction velocity of the lower limbs may be related to the impairment of balance control in patients with diabetes. Diabetic older adults with peripheral neuropathy exhibited greater postural instability than those without peripheral neuropathy.

Electrophysiological characteristics of patients with nitrous oxide abuse

“…All electrophysiological examinations were performed by an experienced neurophysiologist using an electromyograph (MEB-9200 K, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) following the standard protocols [21]. Limb temperature was kept above 32 °C.…”

Effects of Interactive Video Game-Based Exercise on Balance in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy: An Open-Level, Crossover Pilot Study

“…Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and it results in impaired peripheral sensation, poor proprioception, slower walking speed, decreased step length [2], reduced ankle motion [3], declined muscle strength [4], and deficits in static and dynamic balance control [5, 6]. DPN affects nearly half of all individuals with diabetes, and the related functional changes significantly increase the risk of falls compared with healthy individuals of the same age [6]. Falls are often accompanied by traumatic injuries and fractures and are associated with nursing home and hospital admission costs, a decreased range of physical activity in daily life, and reduced self-efficacy as well as the psychological fear of falling again [7, 8].…”

AANEM policy statement on electrodiagnosis for distal symmetric polyneuropathy

“…There is evidence that abnormal nerve conduction studies correlate with the development of non‐neurologic pathology. In a study of 137 patients with diabetes age 60‐80 years, the degree of impairment on NCS correlated directly with balance disorders . Balance disorders frequently lead to falls, one of the most common and rapidly growing causes of major injury in the US, with huge costs.…”