Adding proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to Otago exercises to reduce fall risk in people with type 2 diabetes
Official title: Additional Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation With Otago Exercises on Fall Risk in Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07122726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 13, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 10, 2025 |
| Study ends | January 10, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 14, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07122726 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fatima Aziz, DPT
- Email: fatima.aziz425@gmail.com
- Phone: +92 3325920425
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.