Effect of Antigravity Treadmill Training on Gait and Balance in Patients with Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial [version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

• Published in: F1000 research 2022, Vol.11, p.52
• Main Authors: Abdelaal, Ashraf, El-Shamy, Shamekh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Balance; Body mass index; Clinical trials; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent); Fitness equipment; Gait; Glucose; Health care; Hemoglobin; Malnutrition; Nutritional status; Patients; Physical therapy; Physical training; Polyneuropathy; Posture; Rehabilitation; Software; Walking
• ISSN: 2046-1402; 2046-1402
• DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.75806.3

Background: Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is the most prevalent consequence of diabetes mellitus, and it has a significant impact on the patient's health. This study aims to evaluate effects of antigravity treadmill training on gait and balance in patients with DPN. Methods: The study included 45 males with type 2 diabetes who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental group (n=23) or the control group (n=22). For a period of 12 weeks, the experimental group received antigravity treadmill training (75% weight bearing, 30 min per session, three times per week) combined with traditional physical therapy. During the same time period, the control group received only traditional physical therapy. The Biodex Balance System was used to assess postural stability indices, while the GAITRite Walkway System was used to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters. All measurements were obtained before and at the end of the study after 12 weeks of treatment. Results: The mean values of all measured variables improved significantly in both groups (P