Comparison of Frequency Spectrum of the Selected Lower Limb Muscles between Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy and Healthy Peers during Walking

The aim of the present study was to compare the frequency spectrum of selected lower limb muscles between patients with diabetic neuropathy and healthy peers during walking.

The statistical sample of the present study included 20 patients (age: 54.85± 19.7, Body mass index: 28.38±5.03) with diabetic neuropathy and 10 healthy individuals (age: 52.60 ±4.06, Body mass index: 26.74 ±1.86) who were selected using convenience sampling. The electrical activity of selected lower limb muscles was recorded using electromyography system during walking. Independent sample t-test was used for statistical analysis.

During loading response phase, the frequency spectrum in the vastus medialis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gluteus medius muscles were significantly greater in the patient group compared with that in the healthy group (p < 0.05). During mid-stance phase, all of the selected muscles showed a lower median frequency values in the patient group (p < 0.05).Duringpush off phase, gastrocnemius muscle had lower frequency spectrum in patient group compared with the healthy group (p < 0.05). During swing phase, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gluteus medius muscles had a significantly lower frequency spectrum in the patient group as compared with the healthy group (p < 0.05).

Damage to peripheral nerve due to diabetic neuropathy in patients with moderate neuropathy results in abnormal frequency contentment of lower limb muscles during walking. Also, lowering the functional capacity of the lower limb muscles can lead to a lack of proper control of the ground reaction forces, which could increase the likelihood of injury and falls in patients.