Investigation effects of balance exercises in patient with peripheral diabetic neuropathy

Objective: In this study it is aimed to investigate the effects of balance exercises on nerve conduction, neuropathy symptoms, muscle strength, quality of life, self-efficacy and balance parameters in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Method: The study included cases diagnosed with peripheral nerve neuropathy due to type 2 diabetes. There were 14 participants in the study group and 13 participants in the control group. We evaluated nerve conduction studies for the latency, amplitude and nerve velocities of peripheral nerves. Patients in the study group underwent equilibrium training in the computerized system for 20 minutes, 2 days / week, for 8 weeks. The control group did not receive balance training, they were just informed about the personal control of diabetes. Neuropathy Symptoms were evaluated with Michigan Neuropathy Screening Questionnaire and pain was evaluated with Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire. Sensory assesment was performed using 10 g Semmes Weinstein monofilaments and 128 hz tuning fork. Muscle strength was performed with a manual dynamometer. Biodex Balance system was used for balance test and training. While using the Turkish version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life- Short Form for quality of life, self-efficacy was evaluated with a self-efficacy questionnaire. Results: The positive effect of the balance education given to the study group over the balance results was statistically significant (p<0.05).In addition, the increase in muscle strength and neuropathic symptoms of the study group made a statistical difference, while an increase in neuropathic symptoms was detected in the control group (p<0.05). There weren't observed any difference on the sense of light touch, vibration, pain and quality of life results between groups (p>0.05). An improvement was detected in the self-efficacy of the study group (p<0.05). In the comparison between groups, there was not observed any improvement in nerve conduction studies (p>0.05). Conclusion: Computerized balance trainings applied by supervision is effective in increasing balance and muscle strength and decreasing neuropathic symptoms in patients with diabetic neuropathy. However, there wasn't found positive effect of computerized balance training on nerve conduction studies. Key Words: Diabetes, neuropathy, balance.