Comparison of Dynamic Balance and Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Healthy Individuals

Aims: Diabetes is a set of complex disorders in the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates, which by creating physiological and biochemical changes in nerve cells, causes chronic psychomotor and musculoskeletal disorders such as disorders in muscle strength and balance. Materials Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 70 known cases of diabetes type Ⅱ and 70 healthy people aged 40 to 70 years and without skeletal-muscular and cognitive problems were investigated by a multiple step (convenience, random block) method. In each groups, the demographic questionnaire, Berg balance scale and muscle strength were measured with a manual dynamometer. Chi-Square, Fisher’s exact test and t-test were used to analyze the data. Findings: According to the results of this study, the average score of the Berg test in the control group was higher than the diabetes type Ⅱ patients (p≤0.05) and the strength of the selected muscles of the lower limbs, except plantar flexor, was higher in the control group than in the diabetes type Ⅱ (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Dynamic balance and independence walking in healthy people is more than patients with diabetes. Therefore, occupational therapy intervention is recommended to reduce the risk of falls and diabetic foot ulcer.