Sensorimotor
and Gait Training
Improved proprioception, nerve function,
and muscular activation in patients with
diabetic peripheral neuropathy
— A randomized control trial —
Abstract
Photo credit: @iStock.com/aldomurillo
Objectives: To examine the effect
of sensorimotor and gait training on
proprioception, nerve function, and
muscle activation in diabetic peripheral
neuropathy (DPN) patients.
Methods: Thirty-eight (25 male and
13 female) participants with DPN
were selected and randomly allocated
to intervention and control group.
Participants in the intervention group
were provided sensorimotor and gait
training for eight weeks (3 days/week)
along with diabetes and foot care
education; participants in the control
group received diabetes and foot care
education only. Outcome measures
involved proprioception, nerve conduction
studies of peroneal and tibial nerve, and
activation of lower limb muscles and
multifidus while standing with eyes open
and eyes closed, and treadmill walking.
Results: Mixed ANOVA revealed
significant time effect and time×group
interaction of proprioception in all four
directions (p<0.05). The conduction
velocity of peroneal nerve revealed
significant time effect (p=0.007) and
time×group interaction (p=0.022).
Interaction effect was found to be
significant for medial gastrocnemius and
multifidus while standing with eyes open
as well as with eyes closed (p≤0.004).
Only multifidus showed significant group
(p=0.002) and interaction effect (p=0.003)
during walking.
Conclusion: Sensorimotor and
gait training is an effective tool for
improvement of proprioception and nerve
function. It benefits muscle activation
around ankle and multifidus during
postural control and walking in DPN
patients.
Irshad Ahmad, Shalini Verma, Majumi M. Noohu,
Mohd.Yakub Shareef, and M. Ejaz Hussainw
Current Pedorthics | September-October 2020
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