Effectiveness of Multisensory Exercises Versus Focused Exercise Regimen on Dynamic Balance and Balance Confidence in Patients with Type 2 Diabetic Neuropathy- An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background & purpose:Progressive deterioration of balance occurs in persons with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy; which affects quality of life. Thus the purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two balance trainings, multisensory training and focused exercise regimen on balance and balance confidence in persons with diabetic neuropathies. Materials and Methodology: 54 subjects were included as per inclusion, exclusion criteria and randomly allocated in two groups. Group A (n=27) received Multisensory and resistance exercises. Group B (n=27) received focused exercises and resistance exercises. Both the groups received 3sessions/week for 6 weeks. Dynamic balance and confidence was assessed using Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activity Specific Balance and Confidence scale (ABC). The data was analyzed by using Wilcoxen signed rank test and Mann-Whitney rank sum test were used wherever necessary, to determine significant differences in data among groups and between pre-test and post-test scores (p<0.05). Results:All outcome measures were homogenous at baseline (p>0.05). Intragroup & intergroup analysis revealed significant changes in outcome parameters (p>0.05) and Group A was better than Group B. Conclusion:Both the training groups showed clinically significant effect in improving dynamic balance and balance confidence in type 2 diabetic neuropathy participants. But on comparing, Multisensory Exercises are more effective than Focused Exercise Regimen in improving Dynamic Balance and Balance Confidence in patients with Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Key words: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Multisensory Exercises, focused exercise regimen, dynamic balance and balance confidence.