Effect of core stability exercises and desensitisation therapy on limit of stability in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients

Abstract

Background/Aims: The ability to maintain a standing and dynamic posture is a problem in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of core stability exercises and desensitisation therapy on posture stability in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with diabetic peripheral sensory motor neuropathy with average age from 55–70 years were involved in this study. Patients were assessed for posture stability before and after treatment using the Biodex Balance System. The patients were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group 1 (the control group) received a selected physical therapy programme for diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients. Group 2 received core stability exercises in addition to the same selected physical therapy programme for Group 1. Group 3 received desensitisation therapy in addition to the same selected physical therapy programme for Group 1. Group 4 received core stability exercises combined with desensitisation therapy in addition to the same selected physical therapy programme for Group 1. The intervention took place three times a week for 6 weeks. Findings: There was significant improvement of posture stability in Groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to Group 1, with Group 4 showing the most improvement. Conclusions: Core stability exercises and desensitisation therapy are effective interventions for improving posture stability in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and the combination of the two interventions increases posture stability than performing each one separately.