EFFECTIVENESS OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE TRAINING AND AEROBIC EXERCISE ON BALANCE IN DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

*Dr. Jyothi Seshan, Dr. Senthil Selvam, Dr. Sundaram and Valarmath

ABSTRACT

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, peripheral neural damage and nerve conduction velocity is reduced in diabetic patient. It may cause balance impairment physical activities are prevention and management of diabetes mellitus. Physiotherapy intervention, such as aerobic exercise, resisted exercise and proprioceptive exercise may reduce the complication of diabetes mellitus. Objective of the study: To compare the effectiveness of the proprioceptive exercise training and aerobic exercise training on balance in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). Material and Method: Thirty patients were recruited and equally divided into 2 groups - Group A (Propriceptive exercises) and Group B (Aerobic exercise). Population with DPN defined as a minimum score of 7 or >7 on the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). The subjects in both groups were examined for balance abilities through Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Time Up and Go test (TUG) for before and after intervention. The intervention was given thrice weekly for 6 weeks. Group A received proprioceptive exercise for 30 minutes and Group B received aerobic exercise for 30 minutes. Results: significant (P<0.0001) increase in BBS score and significant decrease in TUG score were found after intervention in both groups. Group A (Proprioceptive exercise) was score higher mean value than Group B (Aerobic exercise). Conclusion: Proprioceptive exercise training was more effective than aerobic exercise on balance in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN).

Keywords: Balance, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, proprioceptive exercise, aerobic exercise, Berg Balance Scale, Time Up and Go test.