Proprioceptive Training and Conventional Physical Therapy on Balance and Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of proprioceptive training and conventional physical therapy on balance and health-related quality of life in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy versus conventional physical therapy alone.

Methods: This single-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted at District Headquarter Hospital, Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan. The sample size of 82 participants was selected through a purposive sampling technique. The control group (A) received conventional physical therapy, including strength training and ROM exercises. The experimental group (B) received proprioceptive training along with conventional physical therapy. Balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and health-related quality of life by using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, 4^th week, and 8^th week. An independent sample t-test was used to determine the between-group difference of means. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyse within-group mean differences.

Results: The mean age of participants was 50.72 ± 8.24 years with a mean HbA1c of 6.68 ± 0.72. The proprioceptive training group showed significantly greater improvements in balance and most SF-36 domains compared to controls (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in role limitations due to physical or emotional health. Higher partial η² values (0.83–0.97) indicated strong intervention effects.

Conclusion: The addition of proprioceptive training to conventional physical therapy in the management of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy is more effective in improving balance and health-related quality of life than conventional physical therapy alone.