TWO MINUTES STEP TEST VERSUS SIX MINUTES WALK TEST ON PHYSICAL CAPACITY IN DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Abstract

Background: Given that diabetes mellitus can cause physical tiredness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and decreased plantar sensitivity all of which are linked to normal aging changes. Functional capacity serves as a crucial indicator of the health of the patient, particularly in older adults. Purpose: This study aimed to look at how the 2 minute’ step test and the 6 minute’ walk test affect a diabetic neuropathy patient's physical capabilities. Martial and Method: The study was conducted on 60 paints suffering from diabetes mellitus with neuropathy. The following parameters were measured before and after the six-minute’ walking test and the two-minute’ step test: Heart rate, blood glucose level, O2 saturation, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Borg scale, and walking distance. Results: There were no significance differences between the groups before the study. There were positive correlation between the 6 minute walking test and 2 min step test regarding heart rat, blood pressured O2 saturation and Borg scale measurement when were asked to assess functional capacity. Conclusion: The 2 minute' step test and 6 minute walking test were used to measure functional capacity in diabetic neuropathy patients and 2 minute step test could be used when there were difficulties to use 6 minute walking test.