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Tai Chi vs. Modified-Otago Exercises for Pain, Balance, and Motor Function in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

NCT07078565 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 36

Last updated 2025-07-22

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

his randomized clinical trial evaluates the comparative effectiveness of Tai Chi and Modified-Otago exercise programs on pain reduction, balance improvement, and motor function in patients diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN is a common complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus that significantly impairs quality of life through chronic pain, balance deficits, and decreased functional mobility. While pharmacological treatments are commonly used, they often result in adverse side effects, creating a growing need for non-pharmacological interventions like therapeutic exercises.

Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese exercise combining slow movements and mental focus, has shown benefits in improving mobility and reducing fall risks in chronic disease populations. The Modified-Otago program, originally developed to prevent falls in the elderly, emphasizes strength and balance training through structured exercise routines.

A total of 36 participants (aged 40-80 years) with at least a 5-year history of Type 2 diabetes and a minimum pain score of ≥3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the Tai Chi group or the Modified-Otago group. Both groups will receive 24 sessions over an 8-week period (3 sessions per week), along with baseline interventions such as heating pad application, TENS, and warm-up/cool-down routines.

Primary outcome measures include NPRS for pain, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) for motor function. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and two weeks post-treatment. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26 to determine within-group and between-group differences.

This study aims to inform clinicians about effective exercise strategies for improving physical function in patients with DPN and potentially establish evidence-based rehabilitation protocols.

Conditions

  • Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

Interventions

OTHER

Modified-Otago Exercises

Intervention is administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks, with the same baseline therapy as the Tai Chi group.

OTHER

Tai Chi

Intervention is administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks, along with baseline therapy (TENS + heating pad).

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Riphah International University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Amna Shahid, t-DPT · Riphah International University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
40 Years
Max Age
80 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-01-25
Primary Completion
2025-11-30
Completion
2025-12-30

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07078565 on ClinicalTrials.gov