Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is defined as the presence of signs and symptoms of peripheral nerve dysfunction in subjects with diabetes. Vestibular dysfunction accounted to be greater than 70% in people with diabetes which eventually increases the risk of fall. Conservative treatment methods like vestibular rehabilitation (VR) and conventional balance training (CBT) programmes are available to treat them. More efficient among them is not known. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of VR and CBT programmes in the management of individuals with DPN. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 individuals with DPN were recruited by the simple random sampling to participate in this two group pretest-posttest, single blind, single center randomized clinical study. Recruited individuals with DPN were randomly allocated into two groups, Group A and Group B. Group A were provided with VR programme. for 60 seconds duration x 5 repetition / session / day x 3 days / week x 12 weeks. While group B received CBT programme. Both the groups received the treatment for 12 weeks, totaling 36 sessions (three sessions per week). Level of confidence [Activities specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale] and functional mobility [Timed up and go test (TUG)] were documented at baseline and 12th week after intervention and analyzed. Results: Group A demonstrated significance difference (p<0.05) in ABC scale and TUG when compared to group B. Conclusion: Twelve week VR programme has the sufficient potential to increase the level of confidence and functional mobility among individuals with DPN.