The Balance Control Mechanism of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients

Berg Balance Scale

时间窗: through study completion, an average of 6 months; Berg Balance Scale assessment

In Berg Balance Scale, 14-item scale designed to measure balance of the adult in a clinical setting, including sitting to standing, standing unsupported, sitting unsupported, standing to sitting, transfers, standing with eyes closed, standing with feet together, reaching forward with outstretched arm, retrieving object from floor, turning to look behind, turning 360 degrees, placing alternate foot on stool, standing with one foot in front and standing on one foot. For each item, a five-point scale ranging from 0-4 was recorded. "0" indicates the lowest level of function and "4" the highest level of function. Total Score = 56.

Brain complexity and connectivity

时间窗: through study completion, an average of 6 months; brain complexity and connectivity assessment

Brain complexity and connectivity was assessed by fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging). For each patient, an 8 minutes resting state fMRI signal was recorded. Brain complexity and connectivity was calculated from fMRI signal. By using AAL (automated anatomical labeling) template, the brain was separated into 90 regions. The complexity of each brain region was calculated and range from 50 to 100. "50" indicates the lowest complexity and "100" indicates the highest complexity. The connectivity between each region was also calculated and range from 0 to 1. "0" indicates the weakest connectivity and "1" indicates the strongest connectivity. The brain complexity and connectivity in both DPN group and diabetics without DPN group could help us to explore the brain differences between two groups.

Foot sole tactile threshold

时间窗: through study completion, an average of 6 months; foot sole tactile threshold assessment

The foot sole tactile threshold test was to assess the vibration sensation of patients. In foot sole tactile threshold test, the patient was instructed to stand on a pair of vibration insoles. The vibration amplitude was adjusted by experimenter until the patient cannot aware the vibration. The vibration threshold of each foot was recorded from 1 to 100. "1" indicates the weakest vibration and "100" indicates the strongest vibration.

Timed up and go

时间窗: through study completion, an average of 6 months; timed up and go assessment

Timed up and go test was to assess the walk speed of patients. In timed up and go test, the patient sit on a standard armchair and used regular footwear. The patient walk to a line that is 3 meters away, turn around at the line, walk back to the chair, and sit down. The test ends when the patient's buttocks touch the seat. Patients were instructed to use a comfortable and safe walking speed. A stopwatch was used to time the test (in seconds).