Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology - contenuto non piu disponibile

It is well known that limited joint mobility of the ankle and foot, impaired muscular performance and reduced gait speed are risk factors for ulceration in diabetic foot. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an experimental protocol of exercise therapy on joint mobility, muscular strength and gait speed in a group of longterm diabetic subjects. The protocol consisted of a 12-week supervised training program; both joint mobility and muscular strength at the ankle were measured before and after exercise therapy by an inclinometer and isometric dynamometers respectively, in 26 diabetic subjects and compared to 17 healthy controls. Ankle joint mobility in plantar flexion was reduced about 36% and dorsal flexion by about 23% in diabetic subjects compared to controls (p