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 proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which cause physiological and biochemical changes in nerve cells, causing chronic psychomotor and musculoskeletal disorders such as muscle strength and balance disorders. This study aimed to compare the dynamic balance and muscle strength of the lower limbs in type 2 diabetic patients with healthy individuals. Instruments & Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 70 patients with type 2 diabetes and 70 healthy people aged 40 to 70 years without skeletal-muscular and cognitive problems were selected by a multistage sampling (convenience, random block) method. In each group, the demographic questionnaire, Berg Balance Scale, and muscle strength were measured with a manual dynamometer. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Findings The mean score of the Berg Balance Scale was higher in the control group than in the type 2 diabetes patients (p<0.05). Also, the strength of the selected muscles of the lower limbs, except the plantar flexor, was higher in the control group than in the diabetic patients (p<0.05). Conclusion Dynamic balance and walking independence are more in healthy people than in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]