Efficacy of Exercise Rehabilitation Program in Improving Gait of Diabetic Neuropathy Patients

Background: Gait characteristics are altered in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy and little is known about possible treatment strategies. This study evaluates the effect of a rehabilitation program on gait of diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients. Methods: Thirty patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were randomly divided into an intervention (n=15) and control groups (n=15). The intervention consisted of an exercise program including range of motion, muscle strengthening, balance, and gait training exercises (3 days weekly over 8 weeks). Controls received only usual recommended medical care. Spatiotemporal parameters and ankle joint range of motion during the stance phase of gait were measured at baseline and after intervention. Results: The intervention program increased significantly walking speed, cadence and ankle range of motion with significant decrease of step time (p 0.05), while for the control group, no significant differences were noted (p 0.05). Conclusion: Selected exercise program can improve gait speed, cadence, step time and ankle joint range of motion in diabetic patients. Future studies are needed to explore the influence of these results on clinical assessment, muscle function and quality of life.