Perceptions of individuals with Diabetes Mellitus on sensory, motor and functional alterations in the upper limbs: a qualitative study.

• Grant number: 24/16213-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Paula Rezende Camargo
• Grantee: Luísa de Paula Castanheira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Some studies have already indicated an association between Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and the development of musculoskeletal alterations and pain in the upper limbs. However, the symptoms of possible musculoskeletal and sensory impairments in the upper limbs are not yet well established in the literature. Studies aiming to understand the possible alterations that individuals with DM may develop in the upper limbs and to explore how these deficits affect the functionality and independence when it comes to their daily living activities are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study will be to understand the perceptions of people with DM about sensory, motor, and functional alterations in their upper limbs. This will be a qualitative study based on Thematic Analysis (TA). Individuals of both sexes with type 1 or 2 DM, aged between 18 and 65 and who report any alteration or complaint in the upper limbs will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview that will be used as a data collection instrument. The interviews will be conducted in person and by a single interviewer. The questions were developed in cooperation with members of the research group and will be divided into themes to address the perceptions of the individuals related to possible alterations that they may present in the upper limbs. The interviews will be recorded using a voice recorder and carried out until data saturation is reached. Data transcription, extraction of relevant reports, and formulation of themes will be carried out by two researchers independently, and discussions will be conducted with a third researcher in the event of conflicting opinions. The themes will be developed based on the constant comparison method. It is expected that this study will contribute to knowledge expansion about the possible musculoskeletal and sensory changes that individuals with DM may develop and perceive in their upper limbs, and the impact that these complications may have on functionality. The results of this study could contribute to a more comprehensive clinical evaluation of individuals with DM, and possibly guide treatment approaches in the future.