Sensory, motor, and functional assessment of the upper and lower limbs in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus

• Grant number: 24/21965-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Paula Rezende Camargo
• Grantee: Daniel Oishi Mariano
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that can lead to significant complications, such as peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN). The signs and symptoms of PDN in the lower limbs are well-established in the literature. Although shoulder pain and dysfunction are prevalent in individuals with DM compared to the general population, little is known about the manifestation of PDN in the upper limbs. This study aims to assess sensory and motor impairment and dysfunction in both the upper and lower limbs, and to investigate whether there is a relationship in PDN symptoms between these segments, as well as any association with shoulder pain and function in these individuals. Individuals with DM who have access to an electronic device and the internet will be eligible to participate in this study. An online questionnaire will be conducted to collect data on symptoms and function of the upper and lower limbs, along with personal, sociodemographic, anthropometric, and health history information. Data will be analyzed descriptively and presented as absolute values. Data normality will be tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and a correlation analysis (Pearson or Spearman coefficient) will be performed with a significance level set at 5%.