Effects of Wii Fit-based Exercises versus proprioceptive training on balance and fall risk in patients with diabetic neuropathy

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of Wii Fit-based exercises and proprioceptive training on balance and fall risk in diabetic neuropathy patients. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Riphah Rehabilitation Centre, Lahore, between March 2022 to August 2022 (duration six months). Thirty-four participants were included, twenty males and fourteen females. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Group-A received Wii Fit-based exercises thrice a week for six weeks and Group-B received Proprioceptive training thrice a week for six weeks. Pre and post-measurements of balance and risk fall were assessed through Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Results: Thirty-four participants (20 males and 14 females) were allocated in each group, with a mean age of 62±9.21. The normality test (Shaphiro-Wilk Test, p>0.05) of BBS, MFES, and TUG summarized that data was normally distributed. Six weeks of treatment sessions have shown no significant difference between both groups (p>0.05). However, the within-group comparisons showed significant results that indicate the clinical effects of both treatments (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that there was no difference between Wii Fit exercises and proprioceptive training on balance and risk of falls in diabetic neuropathic patients.