To quantitively analysis the gait in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and to determine the association between clinical and electrophysiological parameters and gait parameters.

Sixty-four patients with diabetic polyneuropathy were enrolled in this study. Diabetic polyneuropathy was clinically assessed by with Toronto clinical scoring system. All enrolled patients underwent nerve conduction study and quantitative gait analysis using 3-dimensional motion analysis system. The correlation of various gait parameters according to Toronto clinical scoring system, compound muscle action potential amplitude of the peroneal nerve, and sensory nerve action potential amplitude of the sural nerve were analyzed.

Decreased step length was associated with increased Toronto clinical scoring system. Decreased step length and increased mediolateral distance during eye opening were associated with decreased compound muscle action potential amplitude of the peroneal nerve. Increased anteroposterior range during eye closure and mediolateral distance during eye opening and closure and decreased foot height were also associated with decreased sensory nerve action potential amplitude of the sural nerve.  

Various quantitative gait parameters can be used in assessing neurological status in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.