Auditory, Visual and Postural Reaction Time Among Middle Aged Type 2 Diabetics and Healthy Individuals – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Study aims to compare Auditory, Visual and Postural RT among middle aged type 2 diabetics and healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods: A Cross-Sectional Study which included 200 Participants that met inclusion and exclusion criteria, were divided into 2 groups. Diabetic group included 100 participants who were clinically diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes and healthy group insldued 100 healthy participants. Both the groups performed Auditory Reaction Time test (ART) and Visual reaction time test (VRT) using Inquisit 4.0 computer software, Ruler drop test (RDT), Wobble Board (WB) Test and Timed up and go test (TUGT) was performed.

Results: Statistical analysis (independent sample T-test) revealed a significant delay in VRT (P-value= 0.001), ART (P-value= 0.001), Wobble Board Test (P-value= 0.001) and TUGT (P value= 0.001) among diabetic group compared to healthy group. There is no significant difference in Ruler drop test (P-value= 0.919) among both the groups.

Conclusion: There was is a significant delay in RT among middle aged type 2 diabetic participants when compared to healthy participants. This is associated with reduced sensory stimuli from various systems and resulting in late response in diabetic group.