1MPT, Dept of Neuro Physiotherapy, Institute of Physiotherapy, KLE University, Belgaum
2PhD Principal and Professor, Institute of Physiotherapy, KLE University, Belgaum
Online published on 13 February, 2013.
Diabetes mellitus affects the various systems of the body like the somatosensory, auditory system and slows psychomotor and cognitive responses all of which together may affect the reaction time. Reaction time is the time taken by the individual to react or respond to a applied stimuli. Slowing of these reaction times affects the everyday tasks such as balance, increasing probability of a slip or a fall.
The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the reaction time of the middle aged and old age individuals with type II diabetes mellitus.
Thirty individuals having diabetes mellitus of age 40 to 60 were randomly allotted in two groups. The individuals between 40 to 60 years were allotted to Group A and those between 60 to 80 years were allotted to Group B. The reaction time of both the groups were evaluated by using Drop Ruler Test and compared.
Results showed that the reaction time in Group A was 0.19 seconds (±0.01) and in group B it was 0.21 seconds (±0.01). The reaction time was more in group B compared to group A but was not statistically significant. The co-relation co-efficient between age and reaction time of the two groups combined was r=0.605
Diabetes Mellitus, Reaction time, Drop Ruler Test, Middle aged, Old age
