Energy cost of walking in diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of lower-limb biomechanics and energy cost in walking difficulties experienced by older people with diabetes
IRAS ID
127022
Contact name
Milos Petrovic
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
Research summary
People with diabetes engage in less physical activity and walk less compared to controls, which is detrimental for maintaining glycaemic control and general management of the diabetic condition. Also, self-selected walking speed is much slower and maximum walking speed substantially lower in people with diabetes. We hypothesise that altered lower-limb biomechanics and a higher energy cost for walking could be possible explanations as to why people with diabetes walk less, display slower self-selected walking speeds and appear to display ‘inefficiencies’ when walking faster. Also, the stiffening of major locomotor tendons due to diabetes will reduce their efficiency for storing and releasing elastic energy and further increase the energy cost of walking. The above hypotheses will be tested in the laboratory in diabetes patients and matched-controls (without diabetes) by firstly examining the biomechanics of walking. The external moment arm and the effective mechanical advantage around the ankle will be examined from kinetic and kinematic data. This data will then be linked with real-time imaging of the Achilles tendon to directly examine utilisation of elastic energy during walking across a range of walking speeds. The oxygen cost of walking at different speeds will be examined using an online measurement system during walking on a treadmill. The mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon will be determined to quantify any difference in stiffness caused by diabetes that may impact upon walking.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0434
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion