Effects of proprioception training programme on balance among patients with diabetic neuropathy: A quasi-experimental trial.

Objective: To determine the effects of proprioception training in improving balance in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Methods: The quasi-experimental study was conducted at Safi Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan, from August to December 2019, and comprised diabetic neuropathy patients of both genders aged 60-83 years. They were divided into two groups of cases and controls, with the former getting. proprioception training twice a week for eight weeks along with diabetes awareness lectures once a week, while the former group only received awareness lectures. Static and dynamic balance were assessed using one leg standing test with eyes open and closed, Berg balance scale and timed-up and go test. Data was collected at baseline and post-intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

Results: Of the 38 patients, there were 19(50%) in the exercise group with a mean age of 64±7.7 years; 10(52.6%) males and 9(47.3%) females. The control group had 19(50%) patients with a mean age of 63±8.2 years; 12(63.1%) males and 7(36.8%) females. The one leg standing score with eyes open improved significantly (p<0.05), but the difference was non-significant with eyes closed (p=0.073). Berg balance scale and timed-up and go scores revealed significant improvement in the exercise group (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Proprioception training exercises were found to be effective in improving balance among patients with diabetic neuropathy.