Effect of an Exercise Program on Motor Dysfunctions Caused by Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Adhesive markers will be placed at the following points on the right lower limb: greater trochanter, lateral epicondyle of the femur, lateral malleolus, and head of the fifth metatarsal. Markers will also be placed on the calcaneus of both feet. The participant will walk on a nine-meter track for filming with a digital camera. The CvMob program will be used to analyze self-selected gait speed and fast gait. Speed in m/s will be calculated based on the time it takes the participant to traverse a three-meter distance marked on the track.

Using adhesive markers placed on points of the right lower limb (greater trochanter, lateral epicondyle of the femur, lateral malleolus, and head of the fifth metatarsal), the angles of maximum hip flexion and extension, maximum knee flexion and extension, and maximum ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion will be measured from the lateral view of the right lower limb using the CvMob program.

Using the CvMob program, stride length (cm) will be measured, which corresponds to the distance between the markers positioned on the calcaneus of the right and left feet after consecutive foot contact. Stride length will be determined by the distance in centimeters from the calcaneus marker between the first and second initial contact of the right lower limb.

The assessment of lower limb (dominant limb) and trunk muscle strength will be performed using dynamometry. Three attempts will be performed with a minimum one-minute interval between them to avoid any fatigue effects. The highest value among the three attempts will be used as the dependent variable. The muscle groups tested will be: ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors, knee extensors, hip abductors, and trunk extensors.

The 30-second sit-to-stand test (30STS) is a validated test for assessing lower limb muscle strength in older adults. The patient will be asked to sit and stand in a standard-height chair (46-48 centimeters) positioned against a wall. The knees and hips should be flexed at 90 degrees, the feet flat on the floor and hip-width apart, the hands resting on the hips, and no support will be used. For 30 seconds, the participant must repeatedly sit and stand up from the chair as quickly as possible. The count will begin in the sitting position and end when the participant reaches the final standing position. The number of repetitions will be counted and recorded.