Title:Effect of Multifactorial Balance Rehabilitation Program on Risk of
Falls and Functional Fitness in Older Adults with Diabetic Peripheral
Neuropathy
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
Author(s): Garima Gupta, G. Arun Maiya*, Shyamasunder N. Bhat and H. Manjunatha Hande
Affiliation:
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Centre for Diabetic Foot Care and Research,
Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal, India
Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, exercise, postural balance, physical therapy modalities, unsteadiness, postural control, rehabilitation.
Abstract:
Background: Increasing age and the added disadvantage of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
(DPN) put the individual at a higher risk of falls and reduced functional fitness. However, there
is a dearth of literature on multifactorial balance intervention, especially targeting the needs of older
adults with DPN.
Objective: The current study aimed to determine the effect of a multifactorial balance rehabilitation
program on fall risk and functional fitness in older adults with DPN.
Methods: In this pre-post experimental study, 30 independently ambulating older adults (71.2 ±
4.70 years) with DPN, who were at risk of falling (timed up and go score ≥ 9.4 seconds), were
recruited. Along with the standard care, all the participants received 12 weeks of the multifactorial
balance rehabilitation program.
Results: Fall risk using the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale and functional fitness using the Senior
Fitness Test were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of the intervention. The intervention
reduced the risk of falling score significantly (MD = 6.17, p < .001). All six parameters of functional
fitness improved after 12 weeks of intervention. The improvement in lower limb strength
(MD = 1.53 times), upper limb strength (MD = 2.48 times), endurance (MD = 16.07 seconds), lower
limb flexibility (MD = 2.02 inches), upper limb flexibility (MD = 1.47 inches), and dynamic
balance (MD = 1.53 seconds) was statistically significant at p < 0.05.
Conclusion: This study provided encouraging evidence about the potential of multifactorial
balance rehabilitation to reduce the risk of falling and improve functional fitness in older adults
with DPN.