Association Between Plantar Pressure Distribution and Postural Stability in Patients with Diabetic Foot: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Plantar load distribution and postural stability are key functional domains in diabetic foot assessment, yet their association in early-stage disease remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate the association between static plantar load distribution and postural stability parameters in 31 patients with early-stage diabetic foot (Meggitt-Wagner grade 0-1). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 31 participants (mean age 58.48 ± 9.53 years; 51.6% with loss of protective sensation). Static plantar load distribution was assessed using the Tekscan Pressure Measurement System (Presto-Scan DB software) and postural stability was assessed using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board® under bipedal eyes-open, bipedal eyes-closed, and single-leg stance conditions. Spearman correlation analyses with Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction were performed. A rearfoot-dominant loading pattern was observed bilaterally (right: 61.5 ± 8.2%; left: 61.8 ± 7.9%). Mean CoP sway velocity was 4.78 ± 1.98 mm/s (eyes open) and 5.76 ± 1.88 mm/s (eyes closed) in bipedal stance. No statistically significant associations between plantar load distribution and CoP parameters were found after FDR correction (all q > 0.05). Adults with early-stage diabetic foot exhibit a rearfoot-dominant loading pattern and sensory-dependent postural control behavior. The absence of significant cross-domain associations suggests that static plantar load distribution and postural stability represent complementary assessment targets. Future controlled studies with matched healthy comparators are needed to determine clinical significance.
Diabetes
Cardiovascular diseases
Access
Care/Management
Advocacy

Authors

Uysal Uysal, Aslan Aslan, Atılgan Atılgan
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