Dynamic stability training improves standing balance control in neuropathic patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Patients with type 2 diabetic neuropathy (DN) are at an increased risk of falls due to the decreased accurate proprioceptive feedbacks. Effective balance training should treat context-specific instabilities of postural control of patients with DN. For this purpose, evaluations and balance training were designed with a 3-week baseline with evaluation after 3 weeks, followed by training over 3 weeks with reevaluation. We acquired control scores for standing balance from the Biodex stability system and fluctuations of the center of pressure. We performed repeated measure analysis of variance to test mean differences in three sessions of assessments. In addition, we compared mean differences of each pair of sessions with the least significant difference test. We used the paired t-test to compare the pure effects of trainings. Our investigation showed that the results of Biodex stability scores and force platform medial-lateral sway measurements improved statistically. Significant higher open-eyes median and mean frequency values of postural sway in the medial-lateral direction indicated that balance training allowed patients to develop control over the degree of freedom at the hip joint. In conclusion, training that compensates for disordered balance indicated by subclinical constraints with respect to the guidance effect of external visual feedback improves standing postural control in patients with type 2 DN.