Effect Of Occupational Therapy Intervention Include Sensory-Motor and Proprioception Training on Older Adult with Diabetic Neuropathy: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus frequently results in diabetic neuropathy, a condition marked by nerve degeneration that impairs sensation and movement. Diabetic Neuropathy causes disorders, and has a major impact on movement, balance, and general quality of life, and especially common among elderly persons. People have sensory deficiencies and reduced proprioception, which increase their risk of falling and restrict their functional independence.

Study design: A Randomized Control Trial

Aim: To investigate the Effect of Occupational Therapy intervention, which includes Sensory-Motor & Proprioception Training on Older Adult with Diabetic Neuropathy.

Objective: To Evaluate the Pre and post effect of Occupational Therapy intervention, including Sensory-Motor & Proprioception Training on Older Adult with Diabetic Neuropathy through Functional Reach Test, Timed-up and Go Test, and Nottingham Sensory Assessment.

Participants: The participants were recruited based on exclusion and inclusion criteria. A total of 32 participants were included in the study.

Methods: - This is randomized control study; a total 32 participants were included with Diabetic Neuropathy. Participants were randomly assigned in one of 2 groups: control group with usual Diabetic foot care education and walking and experimental group with sensory-motor and proprioceptive training. Exercise intervention was conducted in 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. The outcomes of the intervention were assessed using FRT, TUG, OLS and NSA outcome measure.

Result: In Functional Reach Test (FRT) with mean (14.188) and (p<0.001) resulted an improvement in Dynamic Balance and stability. In Timed-up and Go Test (TUG) with mean (10.313) (p<0.001) indicates an improvement in functional mobility and Balance. In One Leg Stance Test, Eye open with mean (33.688) (p<0.05) and eye closed with mean (7.938) (p<0.05) resulted an improvement in Static Balance whereas Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA) with mean score (11.187) for upper limb and (7.75) for lower limb with (p<0.001) results an improvement in proprioception in both U/L and L/L in which U/L indicate more improvement.

 Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effect of Sensory-motor and proprioception Training is more significant than the conventional group Training which include Foot care and walking For Balance (Static and Dynamic), Functional Mobility and Proprioception abilities of Diabetic Patients. This Training helps Diabetic patients to improve Balance, Functional mobility and proprioception.