EDAWA-DUDU, OFEORITSE SALOME

Background/Purpose of the study: Lower extremity strength, quality of life and movement performance capacity are some of the clinical features that can be affected in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between these clinical features and their significance. Methods: A total of 167 male and female type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with age 65 years and above participated in this correlational study. Quality of life, movement performance capacity and lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) of the participants were measured using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, Short Physical Performance Battery and an improvised leg dynamometer respectively. Obtained data were summarized with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the relationship between LEMS and movement performance capacity, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the relationship between LEMS and quality of life. All inferential analyses were performed at 0.05 alpha levels. Results: 90 (53.9%) of the respondents were female, 119 (71.3%) of the respondents were married. Right and left LEMS had significant positive correlation with QOL and movement performance capacity (ρ<0.001). There were positive significant relationships between movement performance capacity and the domains of WHOQOL; physical health (ρ<0.001), psychological (ρ<0.001), social relationships (ρ = 0.009) and environment (ρ<0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between lower extremity strength, quality of life and movement performance in patients with type 2 DM. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Lower extremity strength, Quality of life, movement
performance capacity.