Abstract No: 413 Effectiveness of Insole on Gait Parameters and Plantar Pressure Distribution on Even & Uneven Terrain, Slopes and Stairs in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Mansi Bhadiyadra, Dhruv DaveIntroduction:
In individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), walking increase the risk of foot ulcers due to altered gait parameters like step, stride and stance time, cadence, stride and step length, along with changes in plantar pressure distribution. Insoles help reduce plantar pressure, but most research has been conducted in controlled environments or on even surfaces. However, daily ambulation often involves navigating uneven terrain, slopes, and stairs in community setting.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of insoles on gait parameters and plantar pressure distribution on even and uneven terrain, slopes, and stairs in patients with T2DM.
Methods:
Fifty-four participants, equally divided by gender and aged 40-60, were recruited. Height, weight, BMI, diabetes duration, and random blood sugar were recorded. Participants walked barefoot on various terrains, slopes, and stairs. Gait parameters (stride, step, and stance time, cadence, stride, and step length) were analyzed using Kinovea software, and plantar pressure was measured with Zebris force platforms. The tasks were then repeated with insoles, and parameters reassessed.
Results:
Insoles significantly increased mean cadence by 7.06 steps/min, stride length by 3.31 cm, and step length by 2.15 cm on even surfaces. On uneven surfaces, cadence increased by 7.34 steps/min, stride length by 4.38 cm, and step length by 1.83 cm. On slopes, insoles led to a cadence increase of 7.81 steps/min, stride length of 16.28 cm, and step length of 4.36 cm. 2.66 sec reduction was observed in stair climb test after insole use.
Conclusions:
Insoles led to significant improvements in gait parameters, including cadence, stride length, and step length, on both even and uneven surfaces, as well as slopes. The stair climb test also improved, indicating better movement, with redistribution of plantar pressure observed.