Effect of resistance training on posture control components in women with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes which can lead to impaired postural control. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 12-week resistance training on balance, risk of falling and distribution of foot pressure in diabetic women with peripheral neuropathy.

In a randomized clinical trial, 30 women with type 2 diabetes and diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy were randomly assigned into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group underwent a circuit resistance training program with 50 of one-maximum repetition, 3 -sessions per week over 12 weeks. Before and following the experimental period static and dynamic balance, posture control and risk of falling were assessed.

Static and dynamic balance indices improved following the exercise intervention (P=0.0001). Moreover, risk of falling index decreased in the experimental group compared to control condition (P=0.0001). However, foot pressure distribution was unchanged following exercise intervention (P>0.05).

Circuit training improved balance and risk of falling in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, they are suggested to include circuit training as a safe non-pharmacological intervention to improve balance and walking and to prevent falling.