Hip Joint Concentric and Isometric Peak Torques in Type II Diabetes With and Without Neuropathy

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease and one of the causes of disability and death in the world. The most important of musculoskeletal complications of the disease, is progressive muscle weakness that results in the inability of these people. According to studies, long-term risk of type II diabetes can cause weakness and atrophy in muscles that is often seen in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Due to the mechanical performance of the lower extremity muscles in people with type 2 diabetes, it seems natural gait pattern is changed in these patients. Muscles that are important for normal gait but less studied in patients with type II diabetes, are hip muscles, including the flexors, extensors, abductors and are Adductors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the isometric and concentric torque and muscle endurance of hip joint as well as the ratio of agonist to antagonist concentric torque in people with type II diabetes compared with people without diabetes. Methods: In this study, 15 non-diabetic subjects and 27 patients with type II diabetes (15 patients without neuropathy and 12 patients with the risk of developing neuropathy), participated. Maximum isometric and concentric torque (60 degrees per second) of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction of the hip joint, and hip extensor and abductor muscle isometric endurance in all three study groups measured by isokinetic Biodex dynamometer. Results: Concentric hip extension and abduction torque in diabetic patients with neuropathy was less than the other two groups. The maximum torques of flexion to extension ratio in both groups of patients with diabetes was more than control. Muscular endurance and isometric torque parameter among the three groups were not significantly different. Conclusions: Torque related parameters in patients with type II diabetes with or without peripheral neuropathy, are different from healthy subjects. As a result, patients with diabetes especially with peripheral neuropathy are more susceptible of injury and disability in lower limbs.