Comparative Effects of Perturbation-Based Balance Training on Firm Surface and Rolling Board for Diabetic Neuropathy Patients

Summary

The present study is designed to compare the effectiveness of perturbation-based balance training performed on two different surfaces, stable (firm surface) and unstable (rolling board), for enhancing static, dynamic, and reactive balance in individuals diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy. This randomized clinical trial will recruit a total of 42 participants, with the sample size calculated using Epi Tool software. A consecutive sampling technique will be implemented. Eligible participants who fulfill the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 21 each) through an online randomization method. Participants in Group A will undergo perturbation-based balance exercises on a stable surface, whereas participants in Group B will receive similar training on a rolling board to introduce surface instability. In addition to the primary intervention, both groups will receive contrast bath therapy as a standard baseline treatment. Written as well as verbal informed consent will be obtained prior to participation. The intervention protocol will span four weeks, consisting of three sessions per week on alternate days, resulting in a total of twelve treatment sessions. The primary outcomes will focus on balance performance and fall risk. These outcomes will be measured using the Berg Balance Scale, the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and the Timed Up and Go test. Screening for diabetic neuropathy will be carried out using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 23.

Conditions

• Balance Impairment
• Diabetic Neuropathy

Interventions

OTHER

Group A (Perturbation Based Training on Firm Surface)

Manual perturbations will be applied in four directions: right lateral, left lateral, forward, and backward. Training will be performed in progressive positions, starting from sitting, advancing to kneeling, and then to standing. Each session will include two sets of perturbation training, 5 minutes per set and a 10-second rest interval provided between successive perturbations. The intervention will be conducted three days per week on alternate days, with a total of 10 perturbations delivered per session. Total treatment time will be 45 minutes. Progression to more challenging positions will occur once the patient demonstrates adequate balance control following manual perturbations. The total duration of the treatment program will be four weeks. Contrast bath therapy will be administered for a total duration of 20 minutes. The protocol will involve immersion in cold water (60-70°F) for 1 minute followed by warm water (100-105°F) for 3 minutes, repeated for five cycles.

OTHER

Group B (Perturbation Based Training on Rolling Board)

Manual perturbations will be applied in multiple directions while the patient stands on a rolling board. During the procedure, the therapist will manually perturb the rolling board to challenge the patient's balance. Each session will consist of two sets of training, with each set lasting 5 minutes and a 10-second rest interval between successive perturbations. The intervention will be performed three days per week on alternate days, with a total of 10 perturbations delivered per session. Each treatment session will last approximately 45 minutes. Initially, the training will be conducted within parallel bars for safety and will later be progressed outside the bars as the patient's balance improves. The total duration of the treatment program will be four weeks. Contrast bath therapy will be administered for a total duration of 20 minutes. The protocol will involve immersion in cold water (60-70°F) for 1 minute followed by warm water (100-105°F) for 3 minutes, repeated for five cycles.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Faisalabad

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Dr Maryam Safdar, MS (MSK) · The University of Faisalabad

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

75 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-20

Primary Completion

2026-09-20

Completion

2026-09-20

Countries

• Pakistan