COMPARISON OF MULTISENSORY EXERCISE AND TIBIAL NERVE MOBILIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy type 2 is a prevalent complication which cause nerve damage resulting in pain, poor balance, loss of sensation, and lower quality of life. Physiotherapy intervention such as multisensory exercise and tibial nerve mobilization is frequent and are proven to be effective.

Objective: To determine the comparison of multisensory exercise and tibial nerve mobilization in patients with Type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 38 participants divided into two groups. Group A received Tibial nerve mobilization with conventional physical therapy and group B received Multisensory exercise training with conventional physical therapy. Both interventions will be given for 35 minutes 3 session per week for 4 weeks. Data was collected by visual analogue scale, berg balance scale and short form 12 questionnaire to assess pain, quality of life and balance,. Duration of the study was 6 months after the approval of synopsis. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 27.0.

Result: On analysis, the average age was 49.06 ± 6.18 years for Group A and 49.56 ± 6.67 years for Group B. Post-treatment, the Multisensory Exercise Group showed significantly greater improvements in pain (VAS: 3.00 ± 0.77 vs. 3.72 ± 0.90), balance (BBS: 44.72 ± 2.99 vs. 42.06 ± 2.77), physical health-related quality of life (SF-12 PCS: 61.39 ± 5.40 vs. 55.50 ± 6.40), and mental health-related quality of life (SF-12 MCS: 63.06 ± 3.95 vs. 59.22 ± 3.30) in comparison with the Tibial Nerve Mobilization Group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Based on these findings, multisensory exercise was more effective than tibial nerve mobilization in reducing pain and improving balance and quality of life in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.