Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

Comparative Study of Sensory Threshold between Neurologically Asymptomatic Diabetics and Normals


Affiliations
1 Dept. of Physiotherapy, Pad. Dr. D Y Patil University, India
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


Background

Loss of protective sensation is the primary factor in diabetic foot ulcers. Hence, formation of foot ulcers leads to diabetic foot complications resulting in amputation. Early detection and appropriate treatment of these ulcers may prevent up to 85 percent of amputations.

Aims & Objectives

To compare the sensory thresholds between neurologically asymptomatic diabetics and normal’s of similar age groups, to identify any correlation between duration of diabetes and rise in sensory threshold and to determine the site in the foot with the highest degree of sensory threshold.

Material and Methods

30 patients with neurologically asymptomatic diabetic neuropathy and 30 normal’s were selected. 6 different sites in the foot were chosen and an Electrical muscle stimulator was used at direct current mode to measure the sensory threshold.

Results

Analysis of data gathered during the tests performed at the chosen 6 sites in the foot revealed that that there is a statistically significant increase ( p < 0.05) in the sensory threshold in neurologically asymptomatic diabetes as compared to normals. There was also a high degree of correlation (87.06%) between the duration of diabetes and rise in sensory threshold. Statistical analysis of data pertaining to sensory threshold at difference sites revealed that there is significant difference in the sensory threshold at different sites with the heel having the highest mean value of 37.3 and the medial malleolus having the lowest mean value of 15.1.

Conclusion

The study shows that the sensory threshold gets significantly affected in asymptomatic diabetics. Patients suffering from diabetes over a longer period are more likely to have an increase in their sensory threshold. The study also reveals that the Heel has the highest sensory threshold among the sites studied in the feet.


Keywords

Diabetic Neuropathy, Sensory Threshold, Diabetic Foot, Electrical Muscle Stimulator
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • Dyck PJ: Clinical features of the diabetic neuropathies. In Diabetic Neuropathy. Dyck PJ, Thomas PK, Asbury AK, Winegrad AI, Porte D Jr, Eds. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1987, p. 27-35

  • Maser RE, Becker DJ, Drash AL, Ellis D, Kuller LH, Greene DA, Orchard TJ National Center for Health Statistics: Current estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, 1989. Vital and Health Statistics Series 10, No. 176, 1990: Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study. Measuring diabetic neuropathy follow-up study results. Diabetes Care 15:525-27, 1992)

  • Dyck PJ, Kratz KM, Karnes JL, Litchy WJ, Klein R, Pach JM, Wilson DM, O’Brien PC, Melton III LJ, Service FJ: The prevalence by staged severity of various types of diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy in a population based cohort: The Rochester Diabetic Neuropathy Study. Neurology 43:817-24, 1993)

  • Dr. Ms. Mahajan M.P, Dr. Mrs. Writer.H.S; Abstract: 43rd Annual Conference of The Indian Association of Physiotherapists; Hyderabad, 21st -23rd January; 2005. Pg. 33

  • Bradshaw T (1999) Multi-professional care of the diabetic foot; the role of the podiatrist. British Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. 6, 1.

  • Albert S, Rinoie C (1994) Effect of custom orthotics on plantar pressure attribution in the pronated diabetic foot. Journal of Foot and AnkleSurgery. 33, 6, 598-604.))

  • Masson EA, Veves A, Fernando D et al: Current perception thresholds: a new, quick, and reproducible method for the assessment of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes mellitus. Diabetologia 1989; 32:724-728.

  • Suzuki K-I, Chung Y, Yuka et al: Current Perception Thresholds: A New Method for the Assessment of Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy in Diabetes Peripheral Nerve (Japan) 1995;6(1):59-63.)

  • Levin and O’ Neals , The Diabetic foot, John H Bowker & Michael A Pfeifer, Seventeenth edition, Chapter 3 10. Journal, Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine _ Vol. 2, No. 4 _ October-December 2001

  • American Diabetes Association, American Academy of Neurology: Consensus statement: Report an recommendations of the San Antonio conference on diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care 11:592-97, 1988)


Abstract Views: 354

PDF Views: 0




  • Comparative Study of Sensory Threshold between Neurologically Asymptomatic Diabetics and Normals

Abstract Views: 354  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

P. Modi
Dept. of Physiotherapy, Pad. Dr. D Y Patil University, India
Sruti Modi
Dept. of Physiotherapy, Pad. Dr. D Y Patil University, India

Abstract


Background

Loss of protective sensation is the primary factor in diabetic foot ulcers. Hence, formation of foot ulcers leads to diabetic foot complications resulting in amputation. Early detection and appropriate treatment of these ulcers may prevent up to 85 percent of amputations.

Aims & Objectives

To compare the sensory thresholds between neurologically asymptomatic diabetics and normal’s of similar age groups, to identify any correlation between duration of diabetes and rise in sensory threshold and to determine the site in the foot with the highest degree of sensory threshold.

Material and Methods

30 patients with neurologically asymptomatic diabetic neuropathy and 30 normal’s were selected. 6 different sites in the foot were chosen and an Electrical muscle stimulator was used at direct current mode to measure the sensory threshold.

Results

Analysis of data gathered during the tests performed at the chosen 6 sites in the foot revealed that that there is a statistically significant increase ( p < 0.05) in the sensory threshold in neurologically asymptomatic diabetes as compared to normals. There was also a high degree of correlation (87.06%) between the duration of diabetes and rise in sensory threshold. Statistical analysis of data pertaining to sensory threshold at difference sites revealed that there is significant difference in the sensory threshold at different sites with the heel having the highest mean value of 37.3 and the medial malleolus having the lowest mean value of 15.1.

Conclusion

The study shows that the sensory threshold gets significantly affected in asymptomatic diabetics. Patients suffering from diabetes over a longer period are more likely to have an increase in their sensory threshold. The study also reveals that the Heel has the highest sensory threshold among the sites studied in the feet.


Keywords


Diabetic Neuropathy, Sensory Threshold, Diabetic Foot, Electrical Muscle Stimulator

References