Comparison of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Training and Sensory Re-education in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Behavioral
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and is associated with sensory loss, impaired proprioception, balance deficits, and altered gait patterns, which significantly increase the risk of falls and functional dependence. Rehabilitation strategies targeting sensory and proprioceptive impairments are essential to improve postural control and mobility in this population. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular training and sensory re-education on balance and gait performance in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Participants diagnosed with DPN will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive sensory re-education, while Group B will undergo a structured proprioceptive training program. Both groups will also receive baseline conventional treatment. Balance and gait outcomes will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. The findings of this study may help determine the more effective rehabilitation approach for improving balance and gait in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, thereby reducing fall risk and enhancing functional independence.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 40
Maximum Age: 75
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Both males and females Diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2) Aged between 40-75 years Presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (as confirmed by Michigan Neuropathy Assessment Tool or Toronto Clinical Rating Scale) HbA1c level \> 7% consistently over the last 6 months

Locations
Other Locations
Pakistan
Shadman Medical Center
RECRUITING
Lahore
Contact Information
Primary
Nimra Zaheer, MSPTN
nimrazaheer62@gmail.com
03235018078
Backup
Montiha Azeem, MSPTN
muntahaazeem9@gmail.com
03479717317
Time Frame
Start Date: 2026-02-10
Estimated Completion Date: 2026-03-31
Participants
Target number of participants: 80
Treatments
Experimental: group A Sensory Re-Education
Participants in this group will receive a structured sensory re-education program for six weeks, with three sessions per week. Each session will include 10 minutes of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) applied to the lower lumbar region and area of neuropathic discomfort. Sensory re-education will involve stroking the affected skin using brushes and various textured materials, progressing from rough to soft textures over five minutes per session. Balance and gait will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention.
Active_comparator: group B Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Training
Participants in this group will undergo a structured proprioceptive neuromuscular training program for six weeks, with three sessions per week. Each session will start with 10 minutes of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) applied to the lower lumbar region and area of neuropathic discomfort. The main intervention will include balance exercises (bilateral stance, heel raises, single-leg stance with hip flexion, eyes open and closed), strengthening exercises targeting lower limb muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, lateral thigh), plyometric exercises (single- and double-leg jumps with rotations), and agility drills (figure-eight and directional movements). Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes, and exercises will progress in intensity and complexity based on participant tolerance. Balance and gait outcomes will be measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention.
Sponsors
Leads: Montiha Azeem

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov