Complex and simple clinical reaction times are associated with gait, balance, and major fall injury in older subjects with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Source: American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

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Date of publication: January 2017 – vol. 96,  iss. 1, pps 8–16

 Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The aim of this work was to identify relationships between complex and simple clinical measures of reaction time and indicators of balance in older subjects with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

 Length of publication: 8 pages

 

 

Effectiveness of falls prevention programs for reducing diabetic risk factors

Source: Journal of Diabetes and its Complications, 2016, online

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Date of publication: October 2016

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that increases falls risk in the elderly. Prevention programs with a component of weight-bearing exercises are effective in decreasing future falls. However, weight-bearing exercise was only recently recommended in guidelines for exercise for these patients. There have since been many studies evaluating the effectiveness of such programs on this population. Evidence suggests that people with T2DM and DPN can improve their balance and walking after a targeted multicomponent program, though it is yet unknown whether they resulted in a decreased falls risk in the community.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: Please contract your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Falls and Balance Impairments in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Source: Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 2016, Vol 40 no 1 p. 6-9

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Date of publication: February 2016

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Older adults with type 2 diabetes are far more likely to fall than those without, and the consequences of these falls include avoiding activity, gradual immobility and mortality. Balance is one of the most common risk factors, which is associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This is therefore the central focus of falls prevention research and interventions in these cases. But certain studies have found those without major complications of DPN to be at increased falls risk as well, associating with subtle declines in sensorimotor and cognitive function. Knowledge of this may help fall prevention strategies.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.