Adding proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to Otago exercises to reduce fall risk in people with type 2 diabetes
Additional Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation With Otago Exercises on Fall Risk in Diabetes Mellitus Patients
This tests whether adding PNF to standard Otago balance and strength exercises helps people aged 50–75 with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy reduce their risk of falling.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Trial ID | NCT07122726 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will assign people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy to either the Otago Exercise Program alone or a combined Otago plus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) protocol. Participants are screened with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and must have a Berg Balance Scale score above 20 to enroll, and outcomes will be measured before and after the intervention period. Primary outcomes include balance (Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach), fear of falling (Fall Efficacy Scale), and sensory function (Semmes–Weinstein Monofilament Test). Interventions involve progressive leg strengthening, walking and balance retraining with or without additional PNF movement techniques delivered in person at the study site.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 50–75 with type 2 diabetes for more than five years, a positive Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, a Berg Balance Scale score over 20, and the physical and cognitive ability to perform supervised exercises.
Not a fit: Patients with recent knee/ankle/hip surgery, active foot ulcers or deformities, other neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s), significant visual or hearing impairments, or who cannot follow exercise instructions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined PNF+Otago approach could improve balance, sensory function, and confidence and thereby reduce falls in older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
How similar studies have performed: The Otago Exercise Program has proven fall-prevention benefits in older adults, while PNF is used for movement control; combining them for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a novel approach with limited prior trial data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diabetes type 2 patients * 50-75 years of age * Both Males and Female Gender * Duration of diabetes more than 5 years * Participants positive for Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument * Patients having berg balance scale score \>20 Exclusion Criteria: * Surgical procedure involving knee, ankle, or hip joints. * Foot Ulcers and Deformities. * Diagnosis of neurological diseases (CVA, MS, Parkinson disease etc.) besides DPN. * Absence of Visual Impairment and Hearing loss Patients having comprehension difficulties * Physical disability that prevents from performing the exercises
Where this trial is running
Islamabad
- Foundation University College of Physical Therapy — Islamabad, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fatima Aziz, DPT
- Email: fatima.aziz425@gmail.com
- Phone: +92 3325920425
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.