Impact of peripheral neuropathy on gait and frequency falls in people living with HIV

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of HIV induced Peripheral neuropathy (HIV-PN) on gait parameters and frequency of falls among 69 patients (25males, 44 females).A convenient sampling technique was employed. Participants were screened of PN using the HIV-brief PN tool, which comprises tests of subjective symptom, vibration sense and reflex. Vibration perception was examined using 128Hz tuning fork, and ankle reflex was examined with the aid of tendon hammer, in supine position. Measurement and analysis of gait parameters were done with the aid of 10-meter walking test and an invented comparative velocity field diagram respectively. Results showed that 45(65%) of the participants had PN of mild to moderate degree. The PN differed significantly one from another in gait speed (P<0.05), step length (P<0.05), stride lengths (P<0.05) and stride velocity (P<0.05), irrespective of the walking pace. At fast walking pace, however, participants with mild or moderate PN differed significantly from those without PN in terms of cadence (P<0.05) and stride frequency (P<0.05). Having moderate loss of vibration sense or subjective symptom grade 2 increased the odd of fall by 10% (P=0.048, OR=0.1) and 80% (P=0.004, 0.8) respectively. PN predisposes to gait deficits, and falls especially as walking pace increases.