Research Details

Institution:

Manchester Metropolitan University

Recipient:

Dr Neil Reeves

Project:

Peripheral neuropathy and muscle weakness: how do they influence the safety of daily gait tasks for people with diabetes?

Summary:

People with diabetes may not know exactly when their foot makes contact with the ground while walking because of the lack of sensation in their feet. This will mean that their muscles, which are already weakened, may not react quickly enough to adequately support the body. The major muscles of the leg in people with diabetes are weaker than those of individuals without diabetes, which may mean that people with diabetes are operating closer to their muscle’s maximum capacity when walking and performing everyday tasks. These factors are likely to increasing the chance of people with diabetes falling and injuring themselves. This project will identify problems that people with diabetes face when walking and performing other everyday tasks such as going up and down stairs. People will be assessed during these everyday activities in our laboratory by measuring the body’s movement and muscle responses as they walk. A special device monitoring eye movements will test whether people with diabetes look closer to their feet as they walk to compensate for the lack of sensation in their feet. This work will help us to understand the reasons why walking may become dangerous for people with diabetes and may lead to the development of strategies or interventions that help make everyday tasks safer for people with diabetes.

Amount:

£19,423.00