Effectiveness of Multicomponent Balance Training and Sensorimotor Foot Mobilization on Balance and Functional...

Background Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is characterized by sensory impairment, reduced ankle mobility, and muscle weakness, leading to balance deficits, gait instability, and an increased risk of falls. Conventional exercise programs used in individuals with DPN primarily focus on general functional improvement and may not sufficiently address the combined sensory and motor deficits responsible for balance impairment. Despite the growing use of multicomponent balance training, evidence regarding its effectiveness in improving balance and functional mobility in individuals with DPN remains limited, highlighting the need for the present study. Methods This pre-post experimental study included 64 participants aged 45-65 years diagnosed with DPN. Participants were equally allocated into two groups. Group A received Multicomponent Balance Training, while Group B received Multicomponent Balance Training combined with Sensorimotor Foot Mobilization. The intervention was administered for six weeks, three sessions per week. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess balance and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) to evaluate functional mobility. Results Post-intervention analysis revealed significant improvements in balance and functional mobility in both groups. However, Group B demonstrated significantly greater improvements compared to Group A, with a mean difference of 10.4 points on the BBS (P < 0.0001) and 8.25 seconds on the TUG test (P < 0.0001), indicating superior enhancement in postural control and mobility. Conclusions The addition of sensorimotor foot mobilization to multicomponent balance training is more effective than balance training alone in improving balance and functional mobility in patients with DPN.