Existing predictive methods applied to gait analysis of patients with diabetes: study protocol for a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes can lead to gait abnormalities, including a longer stance phase, shorter steps and improper foot pressure distribution. Quantitative data from objective methods for evaluating gait patterns are accurate and cost-effective. In addition, it can also help predictive methods to forecast complications and develop early strategies to guide treatments. To date, no research has systematically summarised the predictive methods used to assess type 2 diabetic gait. Therefore, this protocol aims to identify which predictive methods have been employed to assess the diabetic gait. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol (PRISMA-P) statement. Electronic searches of articles from inception to January 2022 will be performed, from May 2021 to 31 January 2022, in the Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar, APA PsycInfo, the Cochrane Library and in references of key articles and grey literature without language restrictions. We will include studies that examined the development and/or validation of predictive methods to assess type 2 diabetic gait in adults aged >18 years without amputations, use of assistive devices, ulcers or neuropathic pain. Two independent reviewers will screen the included studies and extract the data using a customised charting form. A third reviewer will resolve any disagreements. A narrative synthesis will be performed for the included studies. Risk of bias and quality of evidence will be assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required because only available secondary published data will be analysed. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations at relevant conferences and other media platforms. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CDR42020199495.