Effect of sensorimotor training on balance measures and proprioception among middle and older age adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

• Published in: Gait & posture 2019-10, Vol.74 (NA), p.114-120
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Irshad, Noohu, Majumi M., Verma, Shalini, Singla, Deepika, Hussain, Mohd Ejaz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Analysis of Variance; Balance training; COP range; COP sway; Diabetic Neuropathies - physiopathology; Dynamic balance; Exercise Therapy - methods; Feedback, Sensory; Female; Gait Disorders, Neurologic - physiopathology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postural Balance - physiology; Proprioception - physiology; Rehabilitation; Static balance; Time and Motion Studies
• ISSN: 0966-6362; 1879-2219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.08.018

•Sensorimotor training improves balance and proprioception in diabetic neuropathy.•Static balance improve greater in middle-aged than older adults with neuropathy.•Dynamic balance and proprioception show similar improvement in both age groups. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sensorimotor training on balance measures, and proprioception, among middle-aged and older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). A randomized controlled study with four parallel arms (two intervention groups and two control groups) was conducted at CPRS, Jamia Millia Islamia. Thirty-seven individuals were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 16 middle-aged and 21 older adults were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups, respectively. Subjects in the intervention group were administered eight weeks (3days/week) of sensorimotor training, involving 10 different types of exercises, progressed from easy to hard every two weeks, along with diabetes and foot care education; subjects in control group received diabetes and foot care education only. Outcomes measures involved static and dynamic balance measures, centre of pressure (COP) range, COP sway, and proprioception, measured before and after eight weeks. Baseline measures showed significant age effect for timed up and go test (TUG) (p =  0.002), one leg stance (OLS) in eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) (p ≤ 0.041), COP range in front (p =  0.007), back (p =  0.009) and right direction (p =  0.013), COP sway with visual feedback in front-back direction (p =  0.027), COP sway without visual feedback in left-right direction (p =  0.028), and proprioception in right direction (p =  0.026). After intervention, OLS EO and EC on both legs showed significant time effect (p ≤  0.003), group effect as well as time×group interaction (p