Objective. A cross sectional study was developed to investigate ethnic differences in foot pressure and joint mobility in non-diabetic and diabetic subjects with and without neuropathy in a hospital-based diabetes clinic.
Methods: The subject groups consisted of a volunteer sample of 10 Asians (AC), 11 Europid non-diabetic controls (C), a consecutive sample of 12 Asians (ADC) and 11 Europid (DC) non-neuropathic patients, and 12 Asian (ADN) and 13 Europid (DN) neuropathic diabetic patients. All subjects were matched with respect to age and gender. The main outcome measures were foot pressures and joint mobility.
Results: Peak foot pressure was increased in DN (1150 ± 412 kPa, mean ± SD) compared to AC, ADC, ADN, C, and DC (510 ± 164 kPa, 673 ± 331 kPa, 623 ± 222 kPa, 707 ± 240 kPa, 793 ± 196 kPa, respectively; P < 0.05). Passive range of motion of the subtalar joint, ankle (AC only), first metatarsophalangeal and fifth metacarpophalangeal joints (MCJP) were reduced in DN compared to the Asian controls and diabetic patients (P < 0.05). Dynamic ankle and rearfoot (subtalar) joint angles were not different among groups. Only the fifth MCJP extension had an effect on peak plantar pressure while controlling for ethnicity (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Peak foot pressure was higher and joint mobility was lower in Europid compared to Asian diabetic neuropathic patients; however, no relationship was observed between reduced foot joint mobility and increased foot pressures. The association between fifth MCJP extension and peak pressure suggest that fifth MCJP extension may be used as a screening method for increased pressure. The low foot pressures exhibited by the Asian subjects are most likely caused by factors other than those investigated in this study.