Neural mobilization to reduce pain, improve balance, and boost quality of life in diabetic neuropathy
Additional Effects of Neural Mobilization on Pain, Balance and Quality of Life in Diabetic Neuropathy
This trial will test whether adding neural mobilization to balance training helps people with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy have less pain, better balance, and improved quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Trial ID | NCT07210203 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-blinded randomized controlled trial will enroll 32 people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy and randomize them to receive either neural mobilization plus balance training with standard care or balance training with standard care alone. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for six weeks in 30-minute sessions at a single center. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), postural balance (Berg Balance Scale), and disease-specific quality of life (Norfolk QOL-DN). Participants will be screened with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and must meet age and symptom criteria to enroll.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50–75 with type 2 diabetes for at least five years who have clinically confirmed diabetic peripheral neuropathy with mild to moderate pain and can perform basic standing balance tests.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, active foot ulcers or infections, other major neurological disorders, chronic pain conditions unrelated to DPN, or severe balance impairment unable to stand unaided are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding neural mobilization could reduce neuropathic pain, improve postural balance, and enhance quality of life for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
How similar studies have performed: Some small physiotherapy trials have suggested neural mobilization can help nerve-related pain and mobility, but high-quality evidence specifically in diabetic peripheral neuropathy is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Both genders. * Diagnosed cases of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy * Age 50-75 years. * Patients having history of type 2 Diabetes for at least 5 years. * Presence of neuropathic symptoms (pain, numbness, tingling, balance issues). * Patient having mild to moderate pain according to NPRS Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with Neurological Disorders like Stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease. * Chronic Pain Conditions or Conditions unrelated to DPN (e.g., fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis). * Foot Ulcers/Infection: Active ulcers or infections on lower limbs. * Uncontrolled Diabetes * Severe Balance Impairment Individuals unable to perform basic balance tests (e.g., unable to stand unaided for a few seconds).
Where this trial is running
Islamabad
- Foundation University College of Physical Therapy — Islamabad, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Maria Ghulam Fareed, DPT
- Email: mariafareed@000gmail.com
- Phone: +92 3458353129
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.