PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, predominantly affecting the peripheral nerves, resulting in sensory and motor deficits in the feet. Foot ulcers and imbalances are frequent manifestations in leprosy, often correlating with diminished sensitivity. While clinical scales and monofilament esthesiometers are conventionally utilized to evaluate foot sensitivity and balance in these patients, their discriminatory power is limited and their effectiveness is greatly dependent on the examiner\'s proficiency. In contrast, baropodometry and posturography offer a more comprehensive evaluation, aiming to preempt potential damage events. This study aimed was to assess the correlation between baropodometry and force plate measurements in leprosy patients and control participants, to improve the prevention and treatment of foot ulcers and complications associated with leprosy.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2022 and enrolled 39 participants (22 patients with multibacillary leprosy and 17 non-leprosy controls). Demographic data were collected, and a monofilament esthesiometer was used to assess sensory deficits. In addition, physical examinations and balance and plantar pressure tests were conducted. The Student\'s t-test was used to compare mean and maximum plantar pressures between groups. For most COP variables, a Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon test was used, except for AP amplitude which was analyzed with the Student\'s t-test due to its normal distribution. The relationship between foot pressure and balance control was assessed using Spearman\'s correlation, focusing on areas with significant pressure differences between groups.
RESULTS: Leprosy patients showed increased pressure in forefoot areas (T1, M1, T2-T5, and M2) and decreased pressure in hindfoot regions (MH and LH) compared to controls. These patients also displayed higher AP and ML amplitudes, suggesting poorer COP control. Correlation analyses between the two groups revealed that foot plantar pressures significantly impact balance control. Specifically, increased T1 region pressures correlated with greater sway in balance tasks, while decreased MH region pressures were linked to reduced COP control.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a joint disturbance of plantar pressure distribution and static balance control in leprosy patients. These alterations may increase the risk of tissue injuries, including calluses and deformities, as well as falls.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2022 and enrolled 39 participants (22 patients with multibacillary leprosy and 17 non-leprosy controls). Demographic data were collected, and a monofilament esthesiometer was used to assess sensory deficits. In addition, physical examinations and balance and plantar pressure tests were conducted. The Student\'s t-test was used to compare mean and maximum plantar pressures between groups. For most COP variables, a Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon test was used, except for AP amplitude which was analyzed with the Student\'s t-test due to its normal distribution. The relationship between foot pressure and balance control was assessed using Spearman\'s correlation, focusing on areas with significant pressure differences between groups.
RESULTS: Leprosy patients showed increased pressure in forefoot areas (T1, M1, T2-T5, and M2) and decreased pressure in hindfoot regions (MH and LH) compared to controls. These patients also displayed higher AP and ML amplitudes, suggesting poorer COP control. Correlation analyses between the two groups revealed that foot plantar pressures significantly impact balance control. Specifically, increased T1 region pressures correlated with greater sway in balance tasks, while decreased MH region pressures were linked to reduced COP control.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a joint disturbance of plantar pressure distribution and static balance control in leprosy patients. These alterations may increase the risk of tissue injuries, including calluses and deformities, as well as falls.
摘要：
背景：麻风病是由麻风分枝杆菌引起的慢性传染病，主要影响周围神经，导致脚的感觉和运动缺陷。足部溃疡和失衡是麻风病的常见表现，通常与灵敏度降低有关。虽然临床量表和单丝体验仪通常用于评估这些患者的足部敏感性和平衡性，他们的歧视能力是有限的，他们的有效性在很大程度上取决于考官的熟练程度。相比之下,气压测量法和姿势测量法提供了更全面的评估，旨在预防潜在的损害事件。本研究旨在评估麻风患者和对照参与者的气压测量法和测力板测量值之间的相关性。改善与麻风病相关的足部溃疡和并发症的预防和治疗。
方法：这项横断面研究于2022年进行，招募了39名参与者（22例多杆菌麻风患者和17例非麻风对照）。收集了人口统计数据，使用单丝美感仪来评估感觉缺陷。此外,进行了体格检查，平衡和足底压力测试。学生t检验用于比较组间的平均和最大足底压力。对于大多数COP变量，使用了Mann-WhitneyWilcoxon检验,除了由于其正态分布而采用学生t检验分析的AP振幅。使用Spearman相关性评估足底压力与平衡控制之间的关系，重点关注组间压力差异显著的区域。
结果：与对照组相比，麻风病患者显示前足区域（T1、M1、T2-T5和M2）压力增加，后足区域（MH和LH）压力降低。这些患者还表现出更高的AP和ML振幅，表明COP控制较差。两组之间的相关性分析显示，足底压力显着影响平衡控制。具体来说,T1区域压力的增加与平衡任务的更大摇摆相关，而MH区域压力的降低与COP控制的降低有关。
结论：研究结果表明，麻风病患者存在足底压力分布和静态平衡控制的联合紊乱。这些改变可能会增加组织损伤的风险，包括老茧和畸形,还有瀑布。
方法：这项横断面研究于2022年进行，招募了39名参与者（22例多杆菌麻风患者和17例非麻风对照）。收集了人口统计数据，使用单丝美感仪来评估感觉缺陷。此外,进行了体格检查，平衡和足底压力测试。学生t检验用于比较组间的平均和最大足底压力。对于大多数COP变量，使用了Mann-WhitneyWilcoxon检验,除了由于其正态分布而采用学生t检验分析的AP振幅。使用Spearman相关性评估足底压力与平衡控制之间的关系，重点关注组间压力差异显著的区域。
结果：与对照组相比，麻风病患者显示前足区域（T1、M1、T2-T5和M2）压力增加，后足区域（MH和LH）压力降低。这些患者还表现出更高的AP和ML振幅，表明COP控制较差。两组之间的相关性分析显示，足底压力显着影响平衡控制。具体来说,T1区域压力的增加与平衡任务的更大摇摆相关，而MH区域压力的降低与COP控制的降低有关。
结论：研究结果表明，麻风病患者存在足底压力分布和静态平衡控制的联合紊乱。这些改变可能会增加组织损伤的风险，包括老茧和畸形,还有瀑布。
